Hiking

This past weekend we took Ben hiking.  Okay, hiking is a very generous term for what we did.  We went to a local state park that has paved paths, and we took the stroller for Ben.  I suppose instead of hiking it could just be a fancy walk.  Either way, it was a lot of fun.  The day was beautiful, and fortunately for us the park was not at all crowded.  We actually took a good chunk of the morning to have this family time.  I think Ben is getting closer to going to just one nap a day.  Of course I have mixed feelings about this.  On the one hand, Yay!  No more scheduling around two naps!  More time to have fun activities!  On the other- hmmm, what am I going to do with him all morning?  I know that sounds terrible, but I will have to figure out new activities and revamp our schedule a bit.  This hike was a trial run at completely skipping the morning nap and seeing how he did.

Ben did pretty well!  He had a lot of fun on our hike.  He took his afternoon nap just fine as well.  I think for now we can definitely skip the morning nap for an activity, but I don't think Ben is ready for it to be an every day thing.  I know for sure I'm not. ;)

As I said, Ben loved being out in nature.  He quickly got into full on boy mode, grabbing sticks and trying to do everything Daddy did.  Pat loves wandering around nature, so both of them were in their element.  I was happy just spending time with them and taking pictures.

Pumped to be outside!

Watching Daddy be silly

"Look, Daddy, I found a big stick!"

Learning from Daddy

My boys!

Fencing lessons, I think

My sweet little guy

We had so much fun!

 -Kim

Little Jokester

Ben loves meal times.  Besides the love of food he has, I think he really enjoys the social aspect of sitting together and paying attention to each other.  Even when it is just him and me, he seems to enjoy himself.
This past weekend he came up with a new little game to play at lunch time.  He 'hid' his spoon next to him under his tray, then would pull it out when I asked after it.  He thought it was the funniest joke ever.  He kept doing it and laughing so hard.  I got some of it on video that you can see here, and there is a longer version here.

Ben brings so much joy to every day, I am so lucky to be his mom!

 -Kim

Be yourself...

Unless you can be Batman.  Then be Batman.  :)

Ben's Batman!

Why yes, he did have a cape.

Batman is known for his sweet dance moves.

I wish I had shirts that came with capes. ;)

 -Kim

Happy Birthday, GiGi!

Happy Birthday to Ben's great grandmother- GiGi!  We love and miss you!

Ben with is GiGi and Papa John back at his birthday. :)

 -Kim

No power!

It seems to happen at least once every tax season.  Specifically, it seems to happen every tax season somewhere in the first two weeks of April.  There is a big storm, and we lose power at the office.  Sadly, this is the type of thing that makes almost all of our work impossible to do.  We always hope it won't happen, but this past week it did.

Luckily the power wasn't out too long.  But while it was out Ben was great at keeping our spirits up despite our frustrations.

Showing Omi we don't need power to color

Loving the extra Omi attention!

This has been a crazy day!

Despite not being able to work, we had a picnic in the hallway, and got a lot of extra play time in.  Ben really helped lighten the mood and keep everyone happy.  Thanks, Ben!

 -Kim

One week...

Until April 15th!  We are super busy at work, but that doesn't mean we don't have time for a couple of shenanigans... 



Dancing with Omi!

Silly hats!

This sweet boy makes work fun

Updates will get more frequent when we get out from under this work cloud. :)

 -Kim

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!  

Ben was too busy running around like a cute little bunny to get a great picture.  But here he is trying to get Daddy to wear the bunny ears.  I love my cute bunnies!

 -Kim