Official 2 Year Old

Benny officially turned 2 today. My, what a difference a year makes. This time last year he couldn't walk or talk, and now he is running and is totally conversational! It has been so amazing to see him grow this last year. He got to experience his first plane ride, his first real trick or treat and see his first snow. This year we have learned all too well how to treat respiratory attacks and ear infections. Through it all, Ben has remained the sweetest, most mischievous little guy, and we can't even put into words how much we adore this kid. I mean, how can you not love this little crooked smile?

Even though we had his real birthday celebration on Saturday, I couldn't let today slip by without having some fun to commemorate the occasion. Since daycare is closed this week for their summer break, I stayed home with the boys today and took them to the splash pad/park close to our house. My best friend, Gabrielle, and her kids joined us and we all had a great time. Josh and Aaron have grown up together (they were born 12 days apart and have known each other their whole lives) and were inseparable the whole time we were there. Ben and Jack are only 3 months apart, and though they aren't really at an age where they will play together, I'm sure they will be great buddies one day. It was a really fun morning.

The boys must have sufficiently worn themselves out because they each took a 3 hour nap today!

As is our family tradition, we took the boys to McDonalds for dinner tonight. Going out to eat is always a treat for them, since we don't do it oftenand at this age we go with cheap and quick!

Ben wanted to go in the Playplace SO badly. I kept having to pull him by the ankles out of it because every time I blinked he would be climbing in! Eventually Daddy decided to just climb in there with him and let him have some fun (with much hand sanitizer to follow!).

Of course we had to come home and have some birthday ice cream to finish off our day.

I know he probably won't remember it for long, but I hope that Ben enjoyed all of the birthday festivities! Happy birthday, Benny Boo. You are such a fun and special little guy, and we are blessed to know you and call you our own. We can't wait to see what you do this year!