Bowling

Monday was rainy and cold, so we decided to take the boys bowling. Paul had never been inside a bowling alley before, and Benjamin hadn't been bowling since he was about Paul's age. They had a great time. Paul was more interested in just exploring the place, but Benjamin really got into it. Thank goodness for bumpers, though!

Out to eat

Benjamin enjoying his ice cream! About a month ago, we met Jonathan at Friendly's after work. Jonathan and I both couldn't get over how grown-up Benjamin seemed--patiently waiting for our food, ordering himself, having a nice dinner conversation. "So, let's talk!" It was just so pleasant. It seems like Benjamin has matured so much since he's turned four.

Hiding

Paul enjoys emptying this cupboard and hiding in it. It's adorable to watch his "counting" when we play hide-and-seek. He covers his eyes and "counts." And then he says "Where are you?" (It sound more like "are ooo?") He'll look around and say, "Nope!"

State Champs!

Just before we left for Colorado, Ryan's high school basketball team won the state championship. Here the boys are watching the game via internet. Paul cried because he had to go to bed and couldn't finish watching it! It was an especially poignant win because the school will be closing this year. We also found out that Ryan is Colorado's basketball coach of the year. Can't wait to read the article on him, and see the photo shoot. Congratulations!

Colorado trip

We (the boys and I) just returned from a week in Colorado, visiting Aunt Rachel, Uncle Ryan, and Bella. Grandma and Grandpa were there part of the time, too. We had gorgeous weather, so we did a lot of playing outside! Several of the days, it was warm enough to wear shorts, much to Benjamin's delight. I think we went to a different park every day. The cousins had so much fun together! (When Paul and Bella weren't fighting over toys.)

Two boys swinging golf clubs with a baby sitting in the middle watching. As someone put it, this is the kind of thing you see on America's Funniest Home Videos right before someone gets hurt, and ask, "What were the parents thinking?!"

At the zoo with an elephant

Comparing arms to a chimpanzee--Bella has more important things to do!

Paul loved Bella's new water table

Paul also loved being with Bella. This was taken just after nap time, and if you look closely, you can see Paul putting his arm around Bella. The first thing he would say upon waking every morning was "Beh," his version of Bella.

Fun at one of the parks we visited

Indoor Entertainment

Making peanut butter playdough--delicious!

2 wooden boards + lots of cars and trucks = half an hour of self-entertainment

Priceless!

Birthday Boy

Benjamin requested a green race car birthday cake.

Benjamin had a great time opening presents, of course! As Jonathan said, you kind of forget the excitement of presents once you've "grown up." Our favorite comment was, "Just what I've always wanted! What is it?"

The birthday hat from school. He brought donut-holes as treats to class that day.