Ben and Sam

This morning we stopped at the park.. and Ben had to take his book ("elmo and friends") with him. I think I got a few good pics..

Jenn has created another video for your viewing pleasure...




(Or CLICK HERE for to watch in a bigger window...)

Today Ben and I went to run some errands, namely have the oil changed in James (since who knows when the last time was done), and try again to get Ben's haircut...
Who KNEW a bowl cut meant this??!! I was like 'oh no oh no' when he shaved the bottom! Oh poor ben... But on the good side - He did SO Well - not one tear this time! I was proud of my *sniff sniff* Two year old.

This evening it was storming (once again), so we did a little running around (since we weren't able to go for a run). We stopped by Cabela's on the way home.. and Ben was like "wow, fish!".. There were catfish in the tanks that were bigger than actual cats! I swear they were as big as bobcats! Anyway - He was all intrigued as the fish swam away, but once they turned and headed back for us, he FREAKED "oh no oh no fish fish", as he clinged to my shoulder and tried to climb over me. I was laughing so hard I almost peed myself. IT WAS THAT FUNNY!

Ben was a little grumpy with me today -- I wanted to take photos and he didn't...

See he got these really cool pair of boots the other day ...

And he likes to wear them most of the time -- except for today

But after awhile he got over it -- and started watching 'tb'

We went to the stores -- and he had so many compliments on his little boots....
But he was the happiest when we got home and he got naked (mostly) and played with his monkey

Yeah ok -- Of course it was the lake...
We went out Saturday afternoon and had such a great time.. that we went back this morning -- and invited the Stevens'...

BEN TUBED for the very first (and SECOND) time... and LOVED it... kept yelling -- "yeah tube" It was a blast! We tried skiing.. but he just sat down.. HOWEVER - we convinced Shayla (who is 11) to try it.. and she did awesome!
We had such a good time -- We stayed longer than we expected to, but it was too fun watching everyone try the implements of torture.

CUTE KID

This morning - the alarms went off at 630... we were certain last night we would get up and head straight to the lake.. well... a few snoozes and a final 'off' button.. and we ended up sleeping till 8... we still made it to the lake by 915... and had a great time doing all the fun stuff we do until around 1:00 when the crazies got to the lake... (I have my opinion on who they are but Pete won't let me tell you all)..



Yes - that's my boy!! Getting ready to ski...


One , two, three, Ready, set, go, HIT IT --- weeeeeee
Look at him go -- and he's only been 2 for 12 days!!

Ben's been a great 2 year old.
We've had a busted lip, bit tongue, a banged up eye, and a few miscellaneous owies in other places. and its only been a week! Fun times let me tell ya.

Anyway -- American Idol is auditioning in Omaha, and last Friday we went to Shadow Lake to the Sounds of Summer Concert series (the band was miserable) and we saw this sign.

This morning around 7am Ben woke up, and stood in his doorway - Here is how it went down:
Ben: "mom"
mom: "morning sunshine"
Ben: giggles and runs to our room, climbs in our bed.. "Hi"
mom: "hi ben, Happy birthday"
Ben: "happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me......"

There were many other gifts, to include a Surfing Shark, Pirate Arg Shirt, Mr. Transformer Potato Head, Several Books, puzzles, a few racing cars with ramps, various clothes items, and one pretty cool towel.
Thanks everyone for the great gifts and helping Ben celebrate his 2nd Birthday!

Intriguing little fact: Christmas the gift theme was pretty much Backyardigans... this birthday the cards were very much themed Cowboy..