More from Ben's birthday party

Play that funky music...
Cousin Clare (18 mos) and Ben
Yes, I am going to eat this whole thing!

Ben turned 1 on Nov 23rd - day after Thanksgiving this year! I was thankful to have a T-day without anesthesia, nurses, and yucky hospital food. We had a little party for Ben with pizza and cake on Friday. Yes, I did make the dalmation cake. It seems that I'm doomed to forever bake themed cakes since this is now a "tradition" set by the high standards of Cal's 3D duck cake and Dora cake. Wait until you see what's in store for Cal's 3rd birthday!! I thought the puppy was appropriate for Ben since it's just as adorable as him :) Ben loved having all his cousins around to play with and getting lots of attention throughout the weekend! Saturday we took the boys to The Doodlebops live! show. This was supposed to be for Ben's birthday but Cal liked it the most. He jumped and danced around like a crazy man and ran through the rows of seats since the place was hardly full. It was a later than usual night for them but well worth it - the concert was fun for all!

Ben turns ONE!!!!

Ooohh...that's good!
It might be better if I close one eye?!
All done!

Turkey Day!

It's that time of year again! It seems that everyone has a Nov/Dec birthday in this family along with all the holidays and that equals busy busy! Here's a picture of all the cousins that gathered for Ben's 1st birthday! Thanksgiving was fun too. So good to finally be home and share the holiday fun and food with my family this time around.

Stone Wall Building

It's about 43 degrees out today but that didn't stop the boys from going out this morning - it's about 8am in these pictures - to continue building the stone wall. We've got lots of space right in front of the house and something needed to be done. So we're going with a small wall to break things up and a little circular one in front of that. On the other side of the stairs there will be a two-tiered wall. Cal was really more of a hindrance than a help of course, wanting to stick his gloves in the wet mortar and whatnot. Digging didn't go so well for him either since the sand was frozen!

Curious Creature

Hello again...I thought I'd update on Ben since he's the one that's exploring and discovering these days. He LOVES his blocks! It's about the only thing he'll play with right now. Put them together, take them apart, over and over again. He'll only stop for a moment to work on a puzzle. He's mastered the big shapes one, now on to more challenging things like animals. Though we're approaching his 1st birthday on Friday, he's still only got about 6 words in his vocab - "up" "bra-ba" (brother) "a-don" (all done), hi, mama, dada, but I've noticed he's adding more constonants to his babble and he quacks like a duck all the time now...ahhh so funny. He really is a precious little thing. He's got his own little quirks but is mostly following in his brother's footsteps - funny, determined, and is very into his music and dancing! He's cruising around holding onto things but is very stubborn about standing on his own. He pretty much downright refuses any time I try. I thought that I'd be less teary as the second one approached 1 year old and started being more independent and though it's taken me longer I find it isn't so...I'm starting to get a little sad about weaning Ben and have been wanting to cuddle him a little longer before he does start walking and talking and doesn't want dear old mom tying him down all the time! He's a snuggly little bugger so I'm enjoying it while it lasts! Anyways, more pics to come. Lots going on in the next few weeks/months. Eric turned 31 today - happy birthday daddy! And then there's the holidays and Ben and Cal's birthdays, plus some updates and new pics of the house so stay tuned!

Wedding

My best bud Amy got married this weekend and I was the matron of honor! I joined the bride in some wedding day nerves as I had to give a speech at the reception and I was worried about it all day...I was hoping I wouldn't cry but after 3 words came out of my mouth I started bawling. So embarrassing! Everyone kept coming up to me saying, "So were you the one who gave the emotional speech?". Is that a nice way to say, "You looked like a blubbering idiot"? I did choke my way through it though and was relieved when it was done so we could party! Oh and I almost neglected to mention that I had laryngitis so not only was it a tearful mess, but a very croaky sounding one too! It was a great night though and I'm so glad that yet another friend has taken the plunge into matrimony and hopefully straight on into motherhood!?!?!?!!!! Just kidding, Aim!