I love you

I just melt when Benjamin says those words. And, to prove he has said them on several occasions the past few days, I got it on video. We also goaded him into saying “mama!” He has been yelling that all over the house, just to see if I am paying attention. It is pretty cute.

 

Also, today we had a play date with new friends from story time. We met them at the park last time, but this time it was cold and rainy. So, we played here.

Benjamin and Tyler did very well sharing toys.

Benjamin is becoming a ham when the camera is out! I asked him to give Tyler a hug, and he actually did it!

And, Daddy came home early today, so it was a wonderful evening! We played tennis since Jeremy’s back was doing better (I will post that video in another blog so it doesn’t slow this one down. Then, we played on the playground before coming home for a late dinner.

go, go, go

It is a challenge to keep up with Benjamin’s energy level, so thankfully we have had our Gymboree Wednesdays. Next week is our last one, because there is no way I am paying $15 a class. But, it was fun to try. We are always on the hunt for fun activities. I bought a Groupon for Cocoa Key, which is an indoor waterpark. That is our next adventure!

Here are a few photos from Gymboree.

The theme was up and down, so Benjamin climbed both this ladder and the ramp you see behind his head.

BUBBLES! Benjamin’s favorite part…

And, here is a cute video of Benjamin trying to put on  my shoes after I told him to put on HIS shoes so we could leave. I didn’t get the light on until the last minute, but you get the idea.

 

Dance Party Benjamin

This boy just loves to dance. Whether there is music present or not, he’s got the beat.

 

pumpkin!

I decided today would be a good day to carve a pumpkin with Benjamin, since Jeremy was home. So, Jeremy got a dry wall knife for me, and Benjamin and I got to it.

Here is the extent of his help.

Here are some photos from the adventure. It really didn’t take me long, and since I wasn’t feeling too creative, we went for a simple smiley face. I think it looks like a happy pumpkin.

 

HE did reach in a couple times, but brought nothing out. I don’t think he grasped the concept. And, he didn’t like it when I tried to put the goop in his hands.

Eyes…

Nose…

Ball!

And, a sneak preview to tomorrow… We will be posting Dance Party Benjamin. Prepare to be entertained!

Catch up post

Sorry I have been way behind in getting posts on here. Benjamin has been refusing to nap much the past week, which means I am scrambling to get things accomplished.

But, here is an eclectic mix. I don’t have photos from our trip to Columbus last weekend, but we had a great time at Cosi and with my cousins. We also made a stop to see my best friend Amber.

Here is a photo of Benjamin during a recent play date. We have been meeting all kinds of wonderful new friends. This is a new friend from MOPS!

They played so nicely together. And, Benjamin got pretty good at saying Zo Zo for Zoe.

We got a special deal through Groupon for Gymboree, so we took our first class last week. Benjamin didn’t really get into the structured part, but I think he still had fun.

Notice, he always had a ball of some sort in his hands!

This next one is my favorite shot!

On Friday night, we went to Parky’s Farm at Winton Woods Metroparks for their Halloween festival. It goes on each weekend, and it is pretty impressive. I hate to play up Halloween with all the scary things too much, but it was fun to see the lights and go on a hay ride. And, he remained oblivious to the fact that a lot of things are supposed to be scary.

Below is the wackiest of all the attractions. It was a “talking mirror” and it was like visiting the Santa Claus of Halloween. The actor asked what everyone was going to be for Halloween before dropping a piece of candy in a bucket. Benjamin just liked the torches…”Hot!”

On Saturday, we picked out a pumpkin. Benjamin is quite fond of pumpkins, and he points them out wherever we go. Since we went to the big thing on Friday, we just got a pumpkin at Kroger. But, Benjamin “helped” pick it out and carry it home. He grunted and huffed and puffed while he “helped” carry it in the house.

Sunday, we went to church, and then just relaxed as much as possible! Finally, on our last wonderful day together, we went to the park, baked cookies…but mostly remained couch potatoes.

Sadly, it is back to work tomorrow. But, we are grateful for all this time together!

Jumpoline!

We couldn’t resist giving Benjamin his birthday gift early. We never really stick to dates well, mostly because I have no patience when it comes to presents! And, Jeremy has no patience when he gets something in his mind to do. So, he wanted to buy it early, which meant I wanted to give it to him early. Aren’t we a pair!?

Here is the jumpoline…our hope  for a sane winter filled with many hours of bouncing off these walls.

We put all his balls inside.

And when that got old, Jeremy flipped the thing over to make a fort. I was claustrophobic just looking at it, so it was a boys only club inside.

Then Daddy blew up some balloons for even more fun!

There was pure awe and delight on his face, but I could only capture this bored look.

We might have to fill the jumpoline with balloons next!

This week was full of surprises. Benjamin opened a care package from Nana and Papa, filled with stickers, a new movie and a few odds and ends.

Stickers!

Then, we got to visit with GG Sue, Bob Bob and Aunt Nancy (the great, great). Actually, we just call her Aunt Nancy, but I think she deserves a few greats in there.

Anyway, they were on their way home from a wedding in Louisville, and took us out to lunch at Ihop. Benjamin decided he is a fan of pancakes and ate most of mine! I also had an omelet, but I still can’t convince him to eat eggs. We came back and Benjamin insisted on a turn around the driveway in his wagon.

GG made Benjamin a coloring apron for his markers.

Daddy tried it on too.

And then Benjamin colored the counter…I mean his picture.

Benjamin is behaving much better the past few days, and we haven’t had very many biting or hitting incidents.That makes me a much happier camper. We have come to an understanding now about Benjamin’s opinions on some things. Sometimes reasoning works. Sometimes it doesn’t. But, we are figuring out a balance.