Chuck E. Cheese

Hi Mom!

Dad - there is someone in this car with me!

Benjamin the Driver!

Going on a safari.....

It's a bumpy ride!

We introduced Ben to one of his Dad's favorite childhood places this week. Ella's "official" birthday party was at Chuck E. Cheese's on August 19. The place hasn't changed much - Dad still loves to play games and Mom loves to play Skee-ball. Some of our gaming skills were a bit rusty but Ben had a good time on the kiddy rides.

Ella's Birthday at the Anoka Pool

Sophie, Ben, and the Birthday Girl Ella

Mom - There is water coming out of the gound!

Dad! Please catch me!

Whoa - I was just at the top of this thing a minute ago!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ella!

My cousin Becky's youngest daughter Ella turned 2 on August 16th and we helped celebrate at the Anoka Pool. Mom and Dad had lots of fun, we went down the waterslide, off the 1 meter and 3 meter diving board and tried to cross the floating obstacle course (Mom did that one solo - she didn't make it very far). Ben enjoyed splashing and playing with his cousins and demonstrating his "swimming" skills (more splashing than swimming!).

Radio Flyer

Ben has a fondness for anything with a steering wheel and horn. His favorite toys are those that he can "drive" and squeals with delight everytime he gets close to one. We were in the Volkswagen dealership this morning while I was dropping my car off for service and we were checking out some of the new VW models. Ben entertained the whole place pretending to drive all the cars on the showroom floor. One night at Walmart we found a Radio Flyer Sport Coupe on clearance. He gets to go for a drive everynight and just has the best time. There is a handle on the back for us to push him around and someday when his legs are long enough he can push himself around. Dad's been eyeing a battery-powered John Deere tractor and trailer that he can envision Ben driving around the yard next summer helping Dad out...

All clean & ready for bed!

I smell so good! I love bath night!

I don't think I want to wear a diaper tonight Mom, you'll have to catch me first to get that thing on!

Getting some cuddle time with Dad before my bottle.

Nothing better that a warm bottle before bed!

Bella in her usual spot while Ben is having his bedtime bottle. She likes to help Mom by being a good footrest.

It was bath night tonight, Ben seems to be having more and more fun with his food and usually ends up with quite a bit in his ears, hair, and everywhere else you can imagine. Dad and Ben spent the weekend together as I was off at work. I am gone before he wakes up but have been able to get home in time to spend about a 1/2 hour playing before Ben goes off to bed at night. Thankfully this part of volleyball season doesn't last very long. This coming Tuesday is a no-practice day and I am so looking forward to that! No daycare that day for Ben - he's all mine!

Future Harley owner?

Mom and her future motorcycle man.

Watch what this can do Mom!

Hop on Mom! I'll take you for a spin around the family room!

How can I get up here without anyone noticing....

Oh you caught me!

This has turn signals and everything!

Hold on tight! Ready or not, here I come!

Ben loves to ride his little bike/scooter that we got a few weeks ago. He puts his hands on the handle bars or steering wheel right away and laughs as we push him around the house. We beep the horn at Bella and Gaby as they are the only other "traffic" on the road with Ben.

I start volleyball pre-season tomorrow morning. The days will be long and it is going to be so incredibly difficult to be away from Ben. Hopefully Dad and Ben will be able to make so trips down to the U to visit Mom. Go Gophers!!

Movin' and a Groovin'

Yummy - potatoes. I think I like these!!

Hey guys - watch out, here I come!



Grandpa! How'd you get in that little phone?!?

Camera case cord - not quite as tasty as potatoes but it will do for now.

I feel so much better - being sick is no fun!

Ben "officially" crawled today for the first time. Before he was doing more of a scoot and roll combo but today he was talking to Grandpa on the phone and was determined to get that phone in his mouth and he made his move. After we put Ben to bed tonight Chris and I installed the gate at the top of the stairs and we only made one mistake with the drill! Next step will be the cabinet locks and moving some of the more hazardous items to higher shelves.
Chris has been home with Ben the past two days due to Ben running a high fever since Monday night. After two doctor visits and some blood work it was determined to be a viral infection and teething issues. Ben seemed to be feeling a lot better this evening and managed to get some quality play time with Mom and Dad before and after dinner.
We have also been introducing some new foods over the past week, ones that he can feed himself (or play with, however you'd like to look at it!) while we eat dinner. He has tried spaghetti noodles and some of Great-Uncle Ron Ramola's red potatoes (one of Mom's favorites!). Bella has enjoyed the spoils of Ben's attempts and is quickly learning to station herself under the highchair during mealtime.

Ashlyn's 1st Birthday Party

Ben and the Birthday Girl - What you got there?

Here - let me give you a drink!

One of Ashlyn's presents - Ben thought he'd take it for a spin.
He loves to swing!

Ben went to his "girlfriend" Ashlyn's 1st Birthday Party last weekend. Dad had to work from home this weekend so we were unable to go up to Grand Rapids like we had planned. It's hard to believe that we will be celebrating Ben's 1st Birthday in a few short months!

I wanted to send a message to my parents who are currently enjoying themselves on a two week Alaskan vacation. We miss talking to you everyday and hope you are having a great time. Benjamin can't wait to see both of you at the end of August - he has so many new things to show you!! We love you!

Swimming with Mom!

Mom, this water is cold!

This looks a little more sturdy than floating in water Mom, why don't you let me stand up here?

Practicing our "jumps"!

Here are some more pictures of Ben's swimming class - this time with Mom in the pool!