So fun to explore!

Minutes before Ben dumped water all over his clothes.

We watched Mr. Snot for about 10 minutes.

Inside the stomach!

Choo Choo!

I took Ben to Exploration Place today while Chad finished up our kitchen project. Ben had a blast and made some buddies - all girls of course! He played with the train set for a really long time, then wondered over the the kitchen set and was cooking for me. He loved splashing in the water too and completely soaked his front side. It was only after that when I spotted the plastic aprons to prevent that. Oops. Oh well he had more fun without it! On our way out, he impressed the man who took tickets by pointing to the sky and saying helicopter. It's one of his newest words!

"Kisses" to Henry

Chad had open house tonight at school, so Ben & I went to visit and see his classroom. All Ben wanted to do was sit on the floor and eat candy, and open the lockers! Although, he did get some extra special attention from some of the other teachers who couldn't resist his cuteness.

Chad took this video...sorry about the big, bare belly. It was just too cute not to share though. Ben wanted to give Henry 'kisses' but it turns out that fart noises are way more fun!

Could it be Fall? Nope!

I just like his face here...pretty sure the chalk wasn't cooperating.

It's just still stinkin' hot so all the leaves have shriveled up and called it quits. Our front lawn was full of leaves from our birch tree, so it was time to rake. It was only fun because it gave Ben an opportunity to run through the leaf pile and make it messy! We drew a little on the sidewalk while Chad did all the dirty work. He even took a chain saw looking thing to this overgrown bush that the former owners nailed to the house...thanks for that. It looks so much better without it, but now we have to figure out how to repair the boards and such.

Henry has the hiccups as I type this. They have been going on for about 5 minutes. Maybe if I give him some apple pie that Chad bought home, he will give it a rest. It's kind of funny though, and it's just a reminder of the little man - as if the belly wasn't enough! Doc appointments are every two weeks for the next month, and then weekly. It's kind of crazy thinking how close it is. We are starting to seriously think about the room arrangements for Ben and I bought some cute wall decor the other day. I also painted, yes I said painted, some letters for his wall. I didn't mess them up either - amazing! Once I figure out the pattern, I'll take a picture. Ben is stirring - time to go get him from his nap!

Lauren & Jathan

Me & Lauren at the River Walk

Lisa, Lauren, & Me

Me & Mama

Me with date, Henry

I'm in Indiana this weekend for Lauren's wedding. We have been buds since 4th grade, so it was so special to be part of her day. Everything was gorgeous, and quite busy since I arrived Thursday night. We had hall decorating, bridal lunch, rehearsal, dinner and wedding! It all went perfectly and what fun we had! Congrats to the happy couple - love you guys!

I'm heading home today to see my boys. Since it was a quick trip in and out, I came solo although I wished they were with me the entire time! If nothing else, we need to move closer to IN so I can stop going stag to weddings! Henry was a good date though, and I was able to see friends from grade school and high school that I hadn't seen in years. We danced quite a bit. Unfortunately I'll miss the luncheon today so that I can get home at a decent time. Too bad because the food was fantastic :).

Ben is still teething. He has 3 coming in at one time, and it's been quite painful. He doesn't want to eat too much and likes to be held like a monkey all the time. Hopefully they get all the way through and leave him alone! Luckily he won't remember this...

Our little tourist

Ben was dressed as a middle-aged Florida tourist today. He felt pretty cool I think. He was the best little sleeper this weekend too. We have been having some trouble getting him to fall asleep again, so we moved his bed time back just a little and made his night time routine just a bit quieter (no more rolling on the floor with Chad!). He slept until after 8am both days, and took naps over 3 hours! It was awesome, but I'm hoping it lasts.

We played in the pool in the early morning, because it was well over 100 by early afternoon. We also went for a nice walk at the nature center where Ben talked with the ducks and looked at some bugs. He was a trooper. Then I decided it was time to trim the branches on the maple out front so Ben colored a nice mural on the driveway in chalk.

Finding him a toddler daybed is turning out to be a bit more difficult than I expected. None of the stores here seem to have what I am looking for, but we did find a promising one online that I think we will order. It has some nice storage underneath and because of the style I think he will be less likely to roll out! Then I can purchase his bed set. I have decided to break out the sewing machine and make him pillows, curtains, and a long pillow to attach to the window seat. I'm not crafty, and therefore nervous. If it doesn't work out, I can just buy! I'm planning an animal themed room and am really looking forward to getting it all together.

Oh Ben has also been taking showers this weekend instead of baths. He loves them and wants to do it all by himself. Only trouble is, he could probably play in there for hours, and well the water bill would be ridiculous!

What did you say, son?

Yes, Ben has learned to tell us to go away. It's really not his fault, as Chad thought it would be funny one day while we were playing if they both told me to go away. Well, how did that work out for you Chad?! Ben thinks it's quite funny though, as do we.

Poor Mr. Potato Head

Something doesn't feel quite right...

Ben the little builder.

What a super weekend we had! Saturday I took my little sis to lunch, a movie and then we went to make earrings at this local bead store. It was so much fun and she loved it! 10 year olds can be more exhausting than toddlers I think - especially girls. I thank my lucky stars for Ben and Henry!

As I mentioned a few months ago, I lost my wedding ring. We replaced it on Saturday and it's so beautiful. It will of course not be the same as my first, and there is still a piece of me that thinks it will show up some day. Then, I will have two! I will guard it with my life!

Today we spent a lot of time finishing the demolition of Ben's big boy room. It's totally cleaned out (well, minus the closet), and is ready for painting. Ben loves playing in there since it has been off limits practically since he was born. He has a lot of room to run around in there, and it saved our living room from toy chaos as well.

While we were playing in there, Chad took out his Mr. Potato Head from my mama and let Ben play too. Picture #1 above shows how well that turned out. Apparently we all have arms growing out of our head. He also discovered a toy that we had yet to open and began hammering away. He is using his left had a lot still, and Chad is getting all anxious that he will be a lefty. He is hoping so anyway because he has big plans for him in the major leagues.

After that, we rearranged some pictures in the house and found some that look great in our kitchen. Guess I won't have to buy any after all. That is quite the relief, and I love using things that we already had. Oh! I almost forgot to mention that I made ginger-carrot soup today and it turned out fantastic! Chad and Ben both liked it and Chad thought it would taste even better in cooler weather with a football game on. I would have to agree and plan to make it again then with some yummy grilled cheese. Making myself hungry again, darn.