Precious Ben is 2-years-old today!

The following pictures are all from today, Ben's 2nd birthday.

He's saying, "cheeeeeeese" in this one.
I really, really, really had a hard time getting him to stay put for ANY of these pictures.

This is one of my favorites!

Reaching for the camera here.

Looking way too big for 2.

Busy, busy.

This is my other favorite.

Sure is windy out today...

Sure wish mommy would stop following me with that camera.

Happy boy!

Ben is such a blessing. He makes us laugh with his precious speech that is always expanding and improving. He is mischievous and has a bubbly, happy personality. He loves Cubby and Florence and especially his brother, Jack. He loves to greet Sam at the door every evening and go upstairs with him while he changes clothes. He loves Toy Story, Finding Nemo and the Little People. His favorite toys are his Lego's. Right now, his favorite thing in the entire world (other than me), is being outside.

Laundry Mishaps

I have learned that Ben cannot be trusted with laundry. I knew better. When I sit on the living room floor and fold clothes, Ben wants to unfold them. He was sitting so nicely on the steps so I just put all my folded clothes there - to take upstairs later. I went on to do something else and it was dangerously quiet. When I rounded the corner, this is what I saw, except the sports bra was on his head. I couldn't get the camera in time.


(And for those who really know me, this bra looks really big in this picture and that is just an optical illusion, it's not. And I guess I should have said, "really big for me".)
All the clothes jammed against the gate.
And he has the nerve to actively reach for the towel while I'm present. The nerve!!

I'm addicted to black and whites

I'm out of control! I love shooting the boys in black and white now. It seems to make a regular looking picture, extraordinary. Here are more pictures from our outdoor fun. We haven't had many days that we can be outside, but if it's 50 or above, we're out there.

What on earth is this? (So glad he didn't put his mouth on it)

Bubbles...

in sequence...

I love my camera!

It's serious chalk time and I love the smile on Ben's face - he's got a lot of chalk!

Jack is so handsome.

Serious artwork in progress.

He's so big, so grown up.

I LOVE this one.

And this one...

They love each other.

Outside Black and Whites

I think we've been able to go outside for three days in a row to play. The boys are lovin' it and basically expect it now. We played with Andrew and Tommy on this day. I have been wanting to experiment with the black and white setting on my camera. I just love the classic, timeless look to the picture that black and white provides. I have a billion more to post.

Sitting on the chair at the neighbor's house. They no longer live there and the house is empty. We were trespassing.

Cute little Andrew. Jack's buddy.

This is the only picture where there weren't any tongues sticking out or any scary faces. L-R, Tommy, Ben, Jack and Andrew.

And there goes Jack with the faces...

Hangin' out behind the bushes.