Yummy! Bennett does enjoy his snacks

Bennett enjoying valentine cookies with some neighbors

Wilson is getting pretty good at throwing snowballs he got me with this one.

We got so much snow this year, it's been fun for the kids to play in, and of course eat. Erin and Wilson eat 'snow apples' which are of course snow balls, but Erin thinks its healthier if it's an apple. The other day Wilson picked up a piece of black snow in the driveway and ate it. Yuck!

the kids at the christmas tree, they had a great christmas, we got a live tree and they loved to decorate it.

Erin with her 1st grade class aren't they cute

Erin with her friend Shelby at the Christmas Pagent
Friends to the end

Bennett Maxwell Cole

Sweet little Bennett is such a joy in our family. He is at a very fun age, when we say it is time for prayer he always folds his arms, when we ask what song he wants to sing he always says Pop Pop (Popcorn Popping). He loves to throw things away in the garbage can (including things that shouldn't be thrown away - uh oh). He loves to be chased, and if he gets outside he goes running and keeps checking back every now and then to make sure your following him. He loves his Grandma Murphy more than anyone, (except maybe his blanket and binki), he also wrestles with Cabo the dog everyday. He wants more than anything to be big and play with Erin and Wilson. He trys his hardest to keep up and they are good sports and let him tag along. But the funniest thing about Bennett is his cooking skills, he uses every form of communication that he has (screaming, pointing, grunting, climbing, ect) to get a pan and a wooden spoon. He drags over a chair and then 'cooks' on the stove. On occation he will get the salt and pepper shakers or other spices to add to his pans. If he's not on the stove he then is on the floor with every pan and lid tring them on to find a good fit. He walks around the house with oven mits on, which is so funny because they cover his entire arms, carrying a cookie sheet with assorted items. Two Sunday's ago at dinner at Grandma Murphy's house we were sitting down for dinner and then we smelled this horrible smell. She had turned on her oven to broil garlic bread without checking the oven first. Bennett had put a plastic toy frying pan in the oven with toy food in it. It had melted down the three racks on all over the bottom of the oven.

Wilson McKay Cole

Wilson is our gift of Hope! He has taught our family so much. Most of you are aware that Wilson was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Autism) shortly after he turned 3 years old. Wilson will turn 5 on June 30th. The past, almost 2 years, have been a roller coaster for Amber and I. Wilson has been attending Kids World Pre-School the past year and has been doing remarkably well. His teacher, Mr. Brandon, is WONDERFUL - and has helped Amber and I so much. Life can be very challenging raising and dealing with a child with a disability and yet at the same time bring so many blessings and so much joy. There is nothing greater for me then when this cute little boy looks me in the eyes and says, "I love you daddy!" and I know that he now understands what he is saying and that he does love me and is able to express it. Wilson shares a room with Bennett and sleeps on the top bunk. He loves to read books, and is great at sounding out letters and words. The other day while we were driving he began counting and I was happy to see that he made it all the way to 100!!! He also loves to play the game "I spy" and it is adorable to hear him say when it is his turn, "I spy whif my widdle eye, whif some ping" and then names a color. Wilson also loves to play with Cabo, and the poor dog is great to put up with all the wrestling and abuse from 2 full of energy boys.

Erin McKena Cole

Sweet little Erin will turn 7 years old on April 17. It is crazy to think that I have a 7 year old. As I sit and look back on the past seven years I can not picture my life without this sweet little girl. She is the best big sister anyone could ask for. She is so good to include Wilson when she plays with her friends and loves to help Bennett out.

Erin is in the 1st Grade. She attends American Heritage of South Jordan - not too far from Grandma Cole's house. She is learning so much and it is fun to see her grow. School has been a good thing for her and helped her start to break out of her shell - she is becomming much more social. Recently she has been wanting to learn to play chess, and is becomming a pretty good little player. She is also taking gymnastics and is constantly flipping cartwheels around the house.

Erin just got a new bed. We had to take her old one away so we could build the bunk beds for the boys. We got her a full size bed, and she loves it. She wakes up each morning and makes it. Cabo (our black lab) likes the larger size bed too, as now he has more room at night so sleep.

Cole Family Updates

With Christian and Kristal living out of state it is fun to view their blog and see what is happening in their lives. And even though Mindy, Greg and Hailey live not far from me, I still only see them about once a month, so this is a fun way to keep everyone updated. I thought is was a good idea, and figured that if Christian can do it - anyone can.
With that being said, sit back, relax, stoke up the ol' gas fireplace and get caught up on the happenings of the Cole family.