Great Country Farms

In early October I took Ben & AJ to Great Country Farms for the afternoon.  We met up with my friend Christina and her lovely four children.  I met Christina earlier this summer as Ben and her daughter Peyton bonded at the community camp.  Ben has made so many friendships this summer and I am so happy to see him enjoying so many fun activities and friendships with his buddies.

July 4th

Our kind friends Mark and Meredith invited us over for the 4th of July.  The boys had a blast with their buddy Luke.  Him and Ben just 'get each other'.  It's so awesome to see them having fun together!  The boys also witnessed their first fireworks show.  AJ was brave, Ben was a little nervous, but they had fun non the less!  

Memorial Day!

After a great bbq with friends on Saturday, yesterday we hosted another large cookout and our first official 'party' for Memorial Day. Ben helped set up (which included unstacking all of the plates) and AJ strutted his stuff wearing Owen's hand-me-downs from last year.

It wouldn't be a party without children tugging at your legs, boys playing under the deck in the 'jail', or random neighborhood kids sneaking in to eat the leftover cookies.

And of course having Ben drain all of the water that was so important to keeping everyone hydrated.

30 Capri Suns, 36 hotdogs, 20 kids, 6 bottles of wine, and 4 quarts of mac-n-cheese later we've finally recovered. Thanks to everyone for making this weekend one we'll remember!!

A Soaking Wet Diaper

Last week the weather was fabulous and we broke out the pool. Owen and Grace came over for to partake in the fun. While we didn't expect the boys to actually get IN the pool, they soon jumped in before we had a chance to put on a swim diaper.

After several minutes their diapers ballooned to big fat jellyfish. It was a riot - here are a few photos, though they really do not do any justice of the true event.

If you only could have witnessed the hilarity of Ben running as fast as he could until the diaper just dropped down around his ankles.

Don't Let the Bed Buds Bite!

I'd like to say this was Ben's first sleep over, but this was taken at 4 o'clock today. Owen wanted to show Ben his new 'big boy bed' and Ben took it upon himself to cozy up and close his eyes! Could the transition be coming soon for Ben as well??

Playdates!

Melissa and I have been trying to hold weekly playdates for Ben & Owen. They play very well together (when they aren't bopping each other for snagging toys) and found some excitement by emptying the toybox and climbing inside.

It was all fun and games....

Until someone got hurt.

But no harm was done, and they quickly recovered.

They have also become pretty good at working together. When offered a special 'treat' for finishing their plates they bartered.

Well, really, it was just Ben putting all his unwanted food on Owen's tray so he could get to the prize.

Preschool Pals

Ben has been enjoying preschool and has adjusted wonderfully. He literally forgets who I am when we enter the room. Here is a photo that my friend Melissa caught of her son and close pal, Owen, walking Ben home from school last week. It is quite nice having the preschool just a block away!

Happy Birthday Owen!

Today our buddy Owen turns two! Happy birthday big boy!!

Ben's Thomas Bash

Ben doesn't officially turn 2 until the 21st, but we celebrated his birthday on Friday with some of his closest pals! It wouldn't have been a party without Thomas, so that was the theme for this year's celebration. We chose JW Tumbles (Ben's favorite place) as the venue.


Ben prepped by donning his Thomas shirt and conductors hat. Even AJ tugging from behind couldn't stop Ben from watching Thomas the Train on TV.


Unfortunately I could not capture a photo of Ben in 'action' at JW Tumbles. He was so wound up from the lack of nap (he was so excited it was his birthday) that he had sweat dripping down his neck and was flushed from all the fun. He had a blast.

AJ played footsies with his gal pal Logan....

But then took off crawling in favor of a swing.

Ben was all smiles as we sang 'Happy Birthday' until he realized that HE was the birthday boy. I think he was a little embarrassed by being the center of attention.

Having milk, egg, and peanut free treats didn't seem to stop Mackenzie and Caleb from enjoying their treats!

All in all, it was a great day. Thanks to everyone for coming out to play!

More Beach Photos

Here are some other shots captured from our two week vacation. Thank you again to The Oliver's, Bayless', Soon to be Mr & Mrs Misik, and the Sinclair's for making our trip extra special!