Quick Video

Here are a few Ben-isms from recent times that I wanted to get down before they left my mind.

1. A conversation in the car between Ben and I about 2 months ago:

Ben: (out of the blue) Where's our Christmas tree?
Me: We cut it up and put it in the yard debris bin (as a good Oregonian would)
Ben: So, now its at the dump?
Me: No - it gets recycled
Ben: We get to use it again?
Me: Yeah - they turn it into mulch
a slight pause...
Ben: I like shredded wheat.
Me: huh?
Ben: Gracie's nice.

Random thoughts from a 3 year old!


2. Today in the car - Ben had a wicked case of hiccups

Me: What was that noise?
Ben: I'm hicking up


3. A month or so ago - Ben: "I'll have to keep an eye out for it". Really? What 3 year old says this?


Eli updates:
1. Is very close to taking the official first steps!
2. Does the "more" sign very well
3. Plays peek-a-boo with one hand
4. Walked across the entire house today holding onto the front of Ben's shirt with Ben walking backwards... Very cute.
5. Is STILL cutting those darn molars!
6. Loves to play with my shoes
7. Likes to use (hold) a spoon but can actually get some yogurt in his mouth pretty regularly.
8. Has been very snuggley lately

Here's a video of Ben and Eli and their stomp rocket

Little Big Kicks

So our town has a fall soccer clinic for little kids ages 3-4 held on Saturday mornings right down the street from our house. Last Saturday was Ben's first outing. It was pretty fun to watch all the little kids drowning in their fluorescent oversized shirts trying to follow the instructions of some of the local high school girls soccer players... Ben's shyness was a factor during the first week as he wouldn't hardly leave daddy's side for most of the rainy hour-long session.

It was pretty sad and frustrating because he LOVES playing soccer with us in the backyard and at the park and was very excited about going to soccer practice. Poor buddy.

Toward the end of the first Saturday, he did actually kick the ball around a bit.
We hoped the next Saturday would be an improvement - and it was. He was still pretty reserved, but at least he left our side for longer periods of time. At least it was a gorgeous day.

Here's hoping the next Saturdays will show more and more confidence!

Some pictures from Aaron and Rhonda's BBQ party Saturday afternoon/ evening - Eli was loving all of the attention!

Ben had a blast, too! That night he woke up in the middle of the night wimpering in his bed. Andy went in to ask what was wrong. Ben said he was crying because he wanted to go back to Aaron's house. Awwww.

Eli and cousin Grant sharing Grant's new music table.

Oceanside

We found a new beach on the Oregon coast - Oceanside! Nice wide open sand with a tiny bit of tide pools and a tunnel thru the huge cliff to the other side. The boys had their fill of cool (52 degrees!) fresh air and playing in the sand, pushing the dump truck and building sand castles.

Push, pull and picnic

Labor Day picnic with family!

We had a nice 'last hurrah' holiday weekend before I head back to work tomorrow... Eli got to finish out his birthday celebration by opening a few more gifts (magnetic wooden crane and push and ride scooter). They were wildly popular with both boys! Thanks Aunt Patti, Uncle Brent and Nick and Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Aaron and Grant!

Look - No hands! (See video below, too)

Pure Joy.

Pulling his wooden crane

Pushing the scooter - and living on the edge with the 'no hands free style' trick.

And one more of Eli kissing the Mirror Me book. Too cute.

Some videos

Eli doing Thbbbbb instead of eating his green beans.

Ben entertaining Eli while I was attempting to cut Eli's toenails. This will be serious blackmail material for any future girlfriends... He is singing the *Ben version of * some pop tune: Break break your break break your heart... The things he picks up at daycare are sometime too funny.

Day 2 of pre-bedtime dance party - same jammies, different day.

Several people have asked if I have gotten Eli's scoot on video, so here goes.