Dinner Date

Today we ran some errands and had a late lunch/early dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Ben had a heck of a time. Clearly, he takes after mom with his enjoyment of a eating out and takes after dad with his enjoyment of food.

While we waited for a table, Dad kept Ben entertained. Who knew pretending to eat a kid's pacifier would be so hilarious? Ben was giggling like a school girl during this "game."

Once we were seated, Ben saddled up to the table to eat. At Cheesecake they give kids a complimentary plate of bread and bananas. Ben enjoyed plenty of both, along with some snacks we'd brought along.

Instead of taking the banana off my finger, Ben decided it would be more efficient to just grab my fingers and shove them into his mouth instead.

We forgot his sippy cup, and a kid's got to wash down a good meal, so he tried a little of Mike's water. I think most of it ended up in his lap.

Between bites, he managed to charm the waitress.

And much to my germaphobe dismay (although I did thoroughly clean the table with wipes), when we weren't quick enough replenishing his food, Ben decided to go ahead and eat the table. Mmmm.

I'd say at least 50% of Ben's food ended up on the floor. Sorry Cheesecake Factory!

Before we headed out for more errands, Ben filled up with a bottle. He likes to do it himself.

With mixed results...

He gets the concept that he needs to tilt back the bottle to get the milk out, but in his haste to do this, apparently he forgot rule #1 -- the bottle should be in your mouth first.

And then it was back to the car and off to Costco.

Ben loved taking in the sites and sounds of Costco. It was a Saturday night, so there was a lot to keep his attention. He's such a happy little guy!

halloween

Ben's first Halloween started with a little breakfast, including homemade pumpkin pancakes. Like his mama, Ben does not care for pumpkin nor pancakes. Maybe next year?



Like her daddy, Dee is a huge fan of both!

After breakfast, we played for a bit. Ben is a huge fan of clapping these days, usually for himself or Dee. (Note the shirt, which says "I'm Batty for Mommy." Can you guess who purchased that one for him?)

Once Grandma and Grandpa arrived, Ben got into his costume. He was the cutest little monkey ever. Grandma gave him a huge pumpkin pillow and a pumpkin balloon. He was quite fascinated with the balloon.

Ben got some love from his uncle Brad!

But he doesn't like to be held for long. And once he's down, he's into trouble! But how can you be mad at this face?

Ben loves his wiggly giggler and he loves Dee's water bowl. When you combine those two loves, here is what you get...

The monkey finally found his tail!

As the night wound down, Ben relaxed with the guys. (Yes, that is a couch in front of the basement stairs. We ordered special adapters online to get a gate on to the two banisters, so this is our fix until the adapters arrive.)

After a quick inspection of the pumpkins, Ben said goodbye to his guests and it was bedtime. Can't wait to see next year's antics.