Happy Birthday Benjamin!

It isn’t his birthday technically for two more days, but we had a party and told him it was his birthday so as not to confuse him. How fun it was to see his excitement over presents, balloons, cake and people. Here are some highlights.

Nana and Papa gave Benjamin a basketball hoop a few days before the party to entertain him at their house while Jeremy was in New Orleans. He was so exited! He kept saying “Basketball!” and pointing at the box. He helped Papa put it together piece by piece.

 

Forgive the pun, but it was a slam dunk gift! I am sure I will be sitting on the sidelines of many games in Benjamin’s future. He is quite taken with this sport and others.

I worked on his cake over two days, and it was quite a project! But, it was all worth it when Benjamin saw it and yelled, “Choo Choo!”

Nana and Papa gave him his second gift early too. It was a rhythm set, which was a super fun experience for Benjamin… our little music lover. He started dancing right away, grabbed the drum sticks to drum and was especially excited about blowing on the recorder.

Dada arrived, and so we both got to surprise Benjamin the morning of his party.

An “UP oon!” Benjamin was thrilled with his Thomas balloon, and he didn’t want to get dressed, since his Thomas pajamas matched.

He took it with him to watch cartoons while Dada showered.

But, he wasn’t about to let Dada out of his sight for long.

Grandpa Hilty (Bob Bob) came early to hang out, and Benjamin was excited about new books…and counting them. That his newest skill that he loves to practice. Often, though, we hear 1,2,3,4,5,6,9,6,9,6,9. and when we remind him about seven, he starts back, 7,8,9. It is too cute!

Aunt Keri and Grandma Jan helped Benjamin unwrap a few gifts.

Benjamin thought it was very cool when everyone sang Happy Birthday to him.

After everyone left, he saw the cake all cut up and said, “OHHH NOOOO! Choo Choo! Oh Noo!” It was so funny!

We were so happy out=of-town family made it!

What a fun day!

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful four days in Findlay/Bluffton, and it was such a treat to have Jeremy there too! I feel like all I did was eat, but I suppose I have a built in excuse that I am eating for two. Benjamin, on the other hand, refused to eat most anything placed in front of him unless it was pumpkin pie or sticky buns. Sigh.

I didn’t take many photos…I know…shame on me! We had a wonderful meal with GG Sue and Bob Bob at my parents’ house on Thursday. Then, on Friday, we went to visit Jeremy’s dad. Benjamin enjoyed discovering “toys” around the house, including a quill feather and a measuring tape, that provided lots of entertainment.

As you can see, I lounged on the couch and let Jeremy and Bob chase our little ball of energy everywhere. That is the nice thing about being home around family. I can sit!

That night, we took Benjamin to see the trains at my parents’ exit. We rode the train for a few minutes, and then looked at the exhibit.

Benjamin wants a train table so badly…good thing that is at the top of his Christmas list…

Saturday, we ate with Grandma Jan, and then Sunday, we spent the morning/early afternoon with the Hilty extended family. Benjamin got to swim at the retirement village, so he was super excited.

Again…no photos. Sigh.

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Since Jeremy is leaving town next weekend, and we won’t have much time in December, we decided to put up our tree a little early. Benjamin had so much fun! His favorite ornament was Bob the Tomato, though he has a bunch of others that he likes to point out or play with.

We had a big weekend! I was selected for the Woman of Excellence award through our chamber of commerce. They make a really big deal out of it, and it is a black tie event. So, Jeremy and my dad went with me, and a friend watched Benjamin. Benjamin thought it was interesting to see Mommy and Daddy getting all dressed up!

 

They gave the eight women honored so many gifts, including roses, proclamations from the two townships, our state congresswoman, senator and John Boehner. Then, we got random gifts, like a bath robe, jewelry, a nice scarf and a book. Finally, they gave us a giant granite plaque. It weighs a lot, so I am not sure quite what to do with it. We have jokingly started calling it my tomb stone. Aren’t we terrible!?

The woman who nominated me initially and gathered all the letters from co-workers and community people in support of the nomination, is an artist. She gave me one of her paintings, which was so special!

We also got to have our hair cut and styled (hence the new short hair cut). So, all in all, it was a wonderful experience! Plus, I got to meet a lot of really great people!

Choo Choo!

Benjamin LOVED seeing the trains at the Cincinnati Museum Center. We just love it there! Frist, we started with the model of Cincinnati, which has planes, trains, trolley cars and more. He could watch it forever. We had to walk a ways to get to the Holiday Trains, so we passed by a steamboat exhibit that he thought was interesting. Nana came with us, which made the trip extra special!

 

Benjamin didn’t want to hold still to pose. He wanted to see the “Choo Choos!” He didn’t stop saying “Choo Choo” the entire time we were there.

Claire and Emily met us there. Claire was a bit scared during her walk to the trains, but she told her mom, “Benjamin will keep me safe.” So precious!

My arms got tired, so I stacked some blocks together to help them see by themselves.

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The train table was the biggest hit.

But, Benjamin grudgingly took a break to ride the big train… all by himself. He and Claire looked so cute riding away down the track.

They were so serious about it. I don’t think either cracked a smile. AS soon as it was over, Benjamin took off in a sprint back to the train table.