Ben is two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you ask Ben how old he is, you sometimes get "one" and sometimes "two now." He has gone from our amazing Christmas morning present to a chatty, charming, confident, and curious little man. We feel so lucky to have him. Loving Ben has been a pleasure.

Ben's birthday party will be tonight. I'll post more pics of that soon!

The gift...

The kiddie turntable is a must have for, well, anyone. It says 3+ but so far Ben has loved singing into the microphone, mom will play some tunes on the keyboard, and Tim has become our Christmas dj and broadcasts a holiday update every once in a while. Reggae itsy bitsy spider is my new fav.

Christmas morning

"Oh look!" was Ben's reaction this morning, and then we were told to promptly "open it" and "make it."

DJ Ben--spinning Old McDonald techno version

Warning!

Christmas Eve

A really fun day--the guys skied, mom and I tag-teamed Ben and prepped for the party, the Schiffner and Clements families came over, and then we exchanged gifts. Thankfully Santa came a little later the next morning :)

Mom and Dad's 34th wedding anniversary--Congrats!

Visiting Dad at his office

30 Weeks

Home in Spokane

We all(including Tim)made it home to Spokane on Sunday. Ben now says "oh my goodness" when looking at the train under the tree, the Christmas village, the cookies, the presents, etc. Having little ones around seems to make the holidays even more special than before. We've all enjoyed seeing Christmas through Ben...

Seeing the Santa Express for the first time

the Christmas village for the first time Opening a bday gift, we've had to pace the gifts to avoid overwhelming him!

Mom's giftwrapping

Some outtakes

Let there be lights and friends!

The other night we bundled up, the kids moreso than ourselves (brrrr), and went to see the light displays at Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Highlights for Ben--running rampant in Doug and Elizabeth's house and chasing "Loulie," and seeing the lighted butterflies throughout the gardens.

A visit with Santa

Ben sat under the heaters reading and watching for about 30min.--what a trooper.

Another beautiful(cold) day and fun day for Ben and I.

Molbaks

Highlight--stuffed animal exhibit. Ben has a new face he makes when getting his picture taken...

Showered with baby love

Jenn and Jamie threw the perfect shower for me--great friends and family, great food and drinks, and great memories. Thank you ladies!

Spokane trip cont...and Nana

Our trip to Spokane