Snow Bunny

Saturday we awoke to our first snow of the year. We decided to bundle Ben up and let him check it out. When I say bundle, I mean bundle. The poor kid. Gloves, hat, coat, and snow pants, on top of socks and footed pajamas. He was ready!

I carried him out to the backyard. At first he didn't really react. He just quietly checked it out.

Then Mike tried to sit him down. Ben was so loaded down with clothes, he couldn't manage to sit up at first.

While it looks like he is making a snow angel, really he just fell backwards thanks to all those layers and couldn't get himself up.

As the snow fell on his face, he kept blinking his eyes and making these very confused faces.

Once he figured out how to stay sitting, he started to enjoy the snow. He just watched the snow fall for a bit.

Then he tried to get his hands in it and play with it.

Not one to be left out, Dee had to get in on the action. She perched herself right on Mike so she could keep an eye on Ben.

Ben likes to be on the move, so he quickly grew tired of just sitting. He decided to crawl around and explore.

Except between the 4 inches of snow and the snow suit, he was too bulky to move. He was NOT happy about this realization!

And that ended our adventure in the snow.

Dee Begging from Ben

That graham cracker looks pretty delicious. Let me just get up here on his chair and see if I can get a bite.

Hmm, mom and dad always repsond better when I sit like a good lady and beg. Let me try that.

This kid doesn't seem to get it. He's just taunting me, darn him. Look at that smile. He thinks this is funny. Can't he see how starved I am? I mean, I'm practically skin and bones.

I knew he'd stick his hand out far enough for me to get that cracker eventually. Sucker!

Hey kid, let go. That cracker is mine now.

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.

Fall Fun at Kuiper's Family Farm

Today we headed out to Kuiper's Family Farm with Meg, Ed, and Scarlett to enjoy a beautiful fall day at the apple orchard/pumpkin patch.

After sampling some apple cider donuts, we climbed on the John Deere to see if farming is in Ben's future. Perhaps? He really loved "driving" the tractor.

He and Scarlett were pretty interested in all the sites and sounds at Kuiper's.

On our way to the apple orchard, Mike decided to try out the kid's area.

Then we took a hayride to the apple orchard to sample and pick some apples.

Here we all are ready to head out for our apples.

Ben REALLY liked the apples. He has no teeth, so he just kind of gummed them. But the juice must have been delicious!

Despite what the scale says, I can guarantee you this kid weighs way more than a pound! My sore arms can prove it.

Next we headed through the corn maize.

Then we played in a "corn box." Ben was enthralled with the corn. I think he would have stayed in there all day if we'd let him.

But instead we moved on to see the animals. Ben really liked the chickens and ducks.

And finally, we snagged some pumpkins. But Ben is my cutest pumpkin!

I was hoping for a few cute pictures, but Ben was DONE. We'd been out for 3 hours and someone was ready for a nap (well, maybe both of us).

We had a great day. It will be fun to go back next year, when Ben is a little older and can appreciate it more.

Here is a quick video of Ben enjoying an apple.