Ben is 2

Our little man turned two yesterday.  We had a fun little celebration with some dear family and friends. It always makes me so appreciative to have loved ones gather to celebrate with us.   More details on Ben's party in another post.

So what is Ben up to now that he's a full-blown, real little boy?  Let's see…

-He's opinionated!  He definitely knows what he wants and doesn't want, and has the ability to let you know.

-He's suddenly speaking in sentences with three, four, and more words.  Most I can understand but some I cannot.

-He can count to 10 and kind of says his ABCs.

-He can identify colors and shapes.

-His favorite things are anything on wheels.  Trucks, trains, cars, airplanes, tractors-you get the gist.

-He is stingy with hugs and kisses which makes getting them even more sweet.

-He loves his sister (Avee) and wants to do everything that she does (he also wants to destroy anything she makes).

-He eats pretty well.  He still isn't crazy about carbs (bread, pasta)  as a whole but he will eat them under the right conditions.  He loves fruit.

-He is too busy to watch tv.  I believe his record of sitting still and watching tv is 8 minutes.

Words to describe Ben:

Fun

Temperamental

Silly

Brave

Stubborn

Mischievous

Ornery

Smart

Sweet

Friendly

Energetic

Curious

We are having So. Much. Fun with Ben.  We love watching his personality develop and change.  Although he keeps us on our toes, he brings so much happiness to our lives.  We enjoy watching his relationship with Avery grow as he gets older.  Although he delights in destroying her Lego creations, he will also give her a drink of his juice and share his snacks, which he doesn't allow with anyone else. He likes being around her.  We'll hear "AVEE, C'MERE" or "Avee, outside" and he must have his goodnight kisses from her every night.


We love you, Benny!  We can't wait to see what you do this next year!!

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Avery's Recital

Avery's recital was on Saturday.  Leading up to it, she was nervous.  Like, really nervous.  After the rehearsal on Friday evening, she was completely fine!

Waiting in the lobby, I happened to catch a couple of pictures of her on the slideshow!

I was certain Ben wouldn't sit still, but he surprised me.  He was very into the show.

She was super excited when it was over.

Very proud of our girl for doing something that was outside of her comfort zone.  She did a wonderful job and looked beautiful!

Dance Pics

Avery had dance pictures last week.  She looked so pretty!

Father's Day 2014

Happy day to these guys!

We enjoyed a family lunch, more swimming, and then dinner at home after the kids went to bed.  

Happy Father's Day to the guy who does it all (well…except laundry!).  The kids are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful dad and I'm lucky to have such a wonderful partner in life.  

Weekend Happenings

I'm pretty sure Avery is going to grow gills.  She is doing great in the water, and her swimming distance is drastically improving.  She can swim nearly the entire length of the pool.  We do need to continue to work on swimming above the water.  Right now she is more proficient at swimming underwater.

Ben is perfectly happy to sit on the side of the pool and dangle his feet.

We definitely had some happy campers this weekend!

Ben had a little run in with the remains of Avery's hot chocolate.

Ben's ABCs

Ben kind of sang his ABCs (he knew the tune but each letter wasn't distinct).  Of course, by the time I got my phone he didn't want to do it again.  Avery was very helpful.  Unfortunately, Ben now thinks the ABCs contain the word poop.

Lately

We've been spending lots of time outside (no surprise there!).

We went to a Driller's game-Ben's first and Avery's first that she remembers.  I don't think we went to any last year because Ben was still too little to keep up too late past his bedtime.  We left 30 minutes after his bedtime as it was and he was exhausted!  Next time we'll bring a swimsuit for Avery!

Mermaid Avery is thrilled that Gigi and Pepaw's pool is open.

The kids have been having so much fun outside!

I took Benny to the doctor because his eyes had been red and bloodshot for over a week (turn out it's allergies).  He was a handful at the doctor's office, but I just happened to catch him saying "bless you, Mama" on video.  Adorable.   Oh, and Avery is pointing out a "crouton" (coupon) in the magazine.