Ben Turns 4!

Today was Ben's 4th birthday. I could go on and on about how the time is going too quickly, but those of you who are parents know all too well what I mean. The day started with a festive birthday breakfast.
Then Ben headed off for his last day of school. These were the cupcakes we brought to celebrate with his classmates.
Singing "Happy Birthday" at school.
Ben's fabulous teachers Mubarka and Cheryl - we LOVED them.

Later in the day, we had some birthday fun at Leapin' Lizards.

Then Ben got to pick his favorite restaurant - Mezcalito's - for dinner.

He opened some presents from Mommy, Daddy, and Noah when we got home.

And one more on the porch ...

I wish I'd been videotaping when Ben came outside. He was jumping up and down shouting, "It's a bike! It's a bike! It's a bike!" I wasn't sure if he'd be very excited since he already has a "big boy bike," but this one is larger and NEW and all his.

Happy Birthday, Ben-a-Boo!

Silly Cargo

Noah and I were playing on the porch today when I looked over at the stroller and saw this ...

Apparently, the cargo basket looked like a cozy bed. (He stayed contentedly cuddled up in there, face down, for a long time.) Of course, it was cozy until ... he tried to get out and couldn't. Silly, silly boy.

Birthday and Ballet

Today we celebrated Ben's birthday a little early with his playgroup friends. We had a joint party with our friend Joseph, whose birthday is just one day before Ben's, in his backyard.Joseph, Ben, and Kira being silly.

Croquet with Martin - Ben was the third wicket. Noah and Aaron loved the sand table. The birthday boys.And here they are around the time of their 1st birthdays ... melt, melt. Cupcake time!

This face says it all. Noah barely got a lick of the frosting before giving a shiver of distaste and handing it back. Dude doesn't like sweets ... can you imagine?

Then we left playgroup a little early to go see our dear friend Ava's ballet recital. It was the sweetest!

Kira and Ben congratulate the ballerina, post-recital. Great job, Ava!

Swim, Moo, Serve, Sweat

We've had an extremely busy week full of fun activities and outings.

Swim

Monday was Ben's last swim lesson. This was actually his third session over the past year or so, and he's made great progress. Warming up with Miss Corrin. Practicing "diving" in. Getting comfortable putting his face in the water was a big accomplishment. Ben gets ready to swim on his own. And he swims to the edge! Yay, Ben!!!

Moo

On Tuesday morning, our good friends Rhiannen, Ava, and Eli invited us to join them on a field trip to Cagle's Dairy Farm. The kids loved seeing all the cows and learning where milk comes from! Ben, Ava, and friend Claire learn how the cows are milked.

I love how the boys never cease to surprise me. The kids had a chance to try out the milking machine. Ben, who I thought would never go near it, stepped up and stuck his finger right in ... While Noah, our little dare-devil, was not sure at all ... "Seriously? You want me to put my finger in there?" "Will it hurt?" And finally, with big brother's help, he summoned the courage. Ben's favorite part of the tour was the hayride, even though it was a little "itchy." It was cool to see the farm dog (small black dot on the right) herd the cattle over to the wagon. Noah was definitely intrigued (see his head poking through). This was taken seconds before he tried to climb over the rail into the pasture. Hearing about how the calves are taken care of. (Mommy was trying not to think about how heartbreaking it is that they're taken away from their mothers just one day after being born!) "Here, calf-y, calf-y."This time Noah was not afraid to get his hands dirty. In fact, I think he'd had his hand in each and every calf's mouth before it was over.

Serve

That night we went to The Nicholas House. Jess's firm has been preparing and serving dinner at this homeless shelter once a month, and Ben's been a great helper. This month he and I did the prep work, and I'm so proud of him for learning the importance of service. It's a great experience every time we're there. Ben in the kitchen before dinner service.

Sweat

Wednesday was Preschool Field Day at Ben's school. I was so glad to be able to go and volunteer. It was a blast watching the preschoolers run, kick, pick up marbles with their toes, and carry pool noodles between their legs. I didn't bring my camera, but here's a shot of his nametag -- the kids got a sticker for each event they participated in ... He also had them plastered all over his face, ears, legs, and arms -- after all, he is known as "Sticker Man" to his classmates and teachers.