Just Peachy

Ben and Mommy went peach picking with Nana this morning. It was a hot morning, but a good one. Ben likes to be involved in any work we do now, as you can see from the pictures. He is a great helper (we dumped all the bruised/bug eaten peaches he picked when he wasn't looking). They offered free lemonade at the end, which was the icing on the cake, in his opinion.

First Set of Clubs

It was only a matter of time. He won't be ready for the pro tour for another few months though. (The squeeling at the end is cheering. That's how he cheers. For anything he likes...bananas, for example.)

We're Back!

We arrived home this afternoon from a week long vacation in Cancun. We had a fabulous time. Perfect weather, Ben did great considering all the changes and new experiences going on, and we all enjoyed a much needed scenery change. I'm exhausted so I'm just going to post a few pics for now. It was great to be there, but it's also great to be back. Ben passed out in his crib at 6:15 (!) this evening...that should give you an idea of how our day went.

Two hundred and how many?

This seemed like a great idea at the time. Ben's own ball pit. Oh, the endless hours of entertainment he would get from it. What a great way to beat the upcoming summer heat...the very best in indoor fun. As I dropped this inflatable beauty into my Walmart shopping cart, I imagined myself sipping a glass of chardonnay on the sofa, idly flipping through the pages of a magazine as my child sat next to me, content in his massive pit of balls. I even purchased extra balls, to ensure the fun factor would stay at maximum.

Well, Ben does like the ball pit. For about 7 minutes, until all the balls have been evicted. Then I have the pleasure of knowing there are exactly 250 that have to be found, retrieved, and returned. And they manage to end up in the most unlikely of places. Live and learn, Mommy. Live and learn.

As you can see in picture 3, Boo is not overly impressed either. The front room has officially turned into carnival-land.

I just like this picture

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Here is Ben helping daddy blow out his candles. He also helped him eat his chocolate cake. And open his presents. And to put chocolate cake onto his presents (very important and often overlooked step).

Double Trouble

Ben and Cousin Lance continue to have great fun together. Here they are destroying alien invaders (don't tell them, but we never inserted any coins).

Bye Bye Bottles

Ben has been using a sippy cup during the day for a long time now, but we still used bottles for milk in the morning and before our nap/bedtime. I had been reluctant to get rid of them since our routine was working so well, but I was also feeling that he was a bit old to still be sucking on a bottle. So we put all the bottles away this weekend (and said welcome back to my old friend counter space) and I'm pleased to report that Ben made the transition with no real problems. There was some minor whining, but he didn't even cry. I, on the other hand, did weep when I put everything away. He's just growing up so fast.

Easter Egg Hunting

I was surprised by the level of interest Ben showed in Easter egg hunting. Since he's more a fan of taking things out, rather than putting things in, I felt it would be a lost cause and kept my expectations really low. But once I showed him the goal, he really got into it. We actually did 3 different egg hunts: one with the neighborhood association, one with cousin Lance, and one at Nana and Grandpa's house. Every time he would hold his basket in the car the whole way there. It was incredibly sweet.

The Boys with their Boys

Just a classic moment during a visit from Michael, Mila and Cousin Lance.

Ben at his Cousin's Wedding

Ben's cousin Cory was married this past weekend. Here are a few pictures of us pre-ceremony. Sadly, Ben was not interested in sitting for 30 minutes, so he and mommy saw the event from the unique perspective of the parking lot. Still, a good time was had by all, and the reception was a lot of fun.

Train Gang

Cousin Lance came to visit this weekend -- we always love it when he comes over. This is a short video of the boys on the train that Ben's Grandma bought him for Christmas. It's amazing how much difference a few months makes...when we first presented him with the train back in January, he wanted nothing to do with it. This time he was happy to drive it around the track, and cried when we put it up.

I have to point out what a great older cousin Lance is. Ben was pretty herky-jerky with the controls, but he never once complained or tried to take over. He's a pleasure to have around.

Warm Weather Fun

With the recent run of warm weather, we have been making it a point to spend lots of time outside (tired toddler = easy toddler). Here is our latest toy at Nana & Grandpa's house. Ben thinks this is the coolest thing ever. Also note the warm weather buzz cut...may cooler heads prevail.

Bed Buddies

Ben's new obsession: Dog Beds. So far his canine companions have been very obliging.

Cooking for Mommy

Ben always wants me to hold him while I'm cooking. I guess he's been taking notes.

Hanging with Cousin Lance

Cousin Lance came over for a Barbecue this weekend. The boys are starting to have more and more fun together. It is amazing how quickly they are growing up.

Magoo at the Zoo

A few weekends ago we had perfect weather, so we took Ben for his first trip to the zoo. He had a great time. It was a Sunday so it was pretty quiet and he was able to get right up close to see the animals. His favorites were the flamingos (although one loud squawk did have him concerned for a minute) and the penguins. He went nuts over the penguins. We actually had to go back for a second visit to see them...it was one of the few times he has thrown a fit over something. Apparently he needed five more minutes with them, and then he could be happy for the rest of the day.





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