2 Years Old!

Two years ago this morning, at 6:02, we said hello for the first time to a blonde headed little boy who has changed our lives.  Two years seems like yesterday, especially as I remember all the work that went into getting him here!  But as we look back over the last couple years and all the memories we have gathered with Ben, it fills my heart to the brim.
The last few weeks we have watched Ben grow up before our eyes.  He is adding 2-5 new words to his repertoire every day, and amazing us (and himself!) with what he understands and communicates.  The hard work we have done to instill obedience and good manners is beginning to show fruit and he is such a joy to be with.
Today was a big, full, wonderful day.  The day began when Ben and I came downstairs this morning to see the banner I had put up last night.  He is in LOVE with Curious George, so I knew his birthday needed to have that theme.

Ben gasped and immediately said " 'at, 'at!  'boon, 'boon!" (which in Ben language is "hat" and "balloon").  It was exactly the reaction I was hoping for and watching his delight was so fun.  The rest of the day was spent with balloons, presents, errands and a fun family party in the evening.  Ben got his best friend at his party--cousin Wes--and Grandma, Grandpa and the special treat of Gran and Pops from Texas. 

It's not a real birthday unless you eat your cheerios while wearing a crown!

we got Ben a "buddy" doll that has a zipper, buckle, tie, velcro, snap, etc on it....plus good practice for how to hold a baby!

The highlights of the day were....

a new lawnmower from the great-grandparents....

birthday cake and a special Curious George blanket and stuffed animal from Grandma and Grandpa.....

He actually blew out his own candle for the first time!

He laid like this for a really long time and didn't want anyone to move him, the blanket or George.....even though Wes kept trying to get him to play and wrestle, he was resolute---he wanted snuggle time with George!

Ben fell instantly in love with the tangible George that he watches on TV everyday.  He held him close, snuggled with him under his blanket, talked to him and would not let him go the whole night (except during bath, but even then George had to be positioned within sight).  Right now my precious towhead is snuggled under his new blanket with George tucked in close, probably dreaming about his wonderful day.  The birthday was a success and oh so fun, but even better was the chance to celebrate a wonderful little boy who has stolen our hearts.

Catching Up and Cracking Up

Considering the fact that we keep going to my sister's blog to view the pictures of our fun outings together....from a month ago....I thought perhaps I should post them on my blog too so you can enjoy.

In June we made another trip down to Lacey to spend a couple days with Jenny and Wes.  We finally set out to do some of the things we keep talking about and what fun adventures we had!  I don't know who had more fun--the kids or the adults!

First we went strawberry picking, which is a family memory for Jenny and me.  Wes and Ben were really just interested in putting the berries we had picked into the box and not doing their own picking.  At least it kept us from having to explain that we don't pick leaves or green berries...or bugs...or dirt....or whatever may have ended up in that box.  The result ended up being a box brimming with delectable berries destined for shortcake and ice cream.  Yum!

Our ride to the berry fields

The next day we traveled to Lattin's Cider Mill which makes delicious cider year round and offers a barnyard experience to kids.  Wes LOVED the animals; Ben LOVED the tractors.  They certainly have their specific leanings and interests!  I think Wes would have crawled into the pens to join the animals if he could, and Ben would have driven the tractor home if we had let him.  But both boys (and mommies and grandma) enjoyed a cider doughnut thoroughly!

 

And now for some giggles and grins....

We have been having a wonderful time with Gran (Linda)--reading books, playing with toys, shopping and outings and lots of fun memory makers.

The last couple weeks Ben has been full of words--this little guy that we thought would reach three before saying "mama" is now Mr. Chatty.  Tonight we captured some fantastic irresistible moments that I just had to share!

In this video Ben was looking at a menu and was "ordering" a few things....

 

Just moments later Ben tried out his newest word of the day....

And we ended the evening being able to catch him saying his repertoire of animal sounds....

A Day at the Zoo

We spent a wonderful sunny fun-filled morning at the zoo today with our friends Ali, Marshall and Jane Potter.  For the first time Ben really seemed to notice the animals and enjoy experiencing everything around him. 
The first animals we saw were the giraffes and Ben literally had his mouth hanging open for about 10 minutes watching them eating from the trees at a fairly close distance.  Other animals made him nervous, especially when they came close, and some he got excited about, like the monkeys and the Komodo Dragon.  But his favorite thing by far was playing with Jane.  The two of them were weaving in and out of the crowd, giggling and chasing each other.  We got a few adorable moments......

"Woooow."

"Mom, look!  It's BIG!"

Little PDA goin' on in the reptile house

"heheheee.....pretty girls make me nervous!"

"You come here often?"

This video is of Ben and Jane having fun running around, then if you listen close you can hear Jane say "Ben, hold my hand" and then they walk holding hands!

Awww!

Once we got home Ben was so excited to tell Daddy all about the zoo and what he saw.  He must have talked for about 15-20 minutes straight.....of course all in gibberish, but he was very animated and you could tell he was explaining things.  (By the way it was all Ben's idea to put his blanket on his head--he did it in the car on the way home.  When I said he should keep it on to show Daddy because Daddy would think he was funny, he giggled and excitedly showed him when we got home....then he didn't want to take it off.) 
Here is part of their conversation.....

and the conversation continues.....