A VERY Happy Birthday

Ben has had the best birthday that a boy could ask for.  The festivities are stretching over 2+ weeks.  It started with the joint birthday party with dad on May 31, and will end with his Buddy School Birthday & graduation on Tuesday June 16th.  Nice.  He is loving the attention and the presents.
His birthday also coincided with our final decision about what big thing to buy for the backyard.  We went back and forth about what type of playset to get, and how much to spend on it for about 9 months.  We just couldn't decide.  Finally, one or the other of us said, "What about a trampoline?"  And the decision was clear after a few short discussions (using P and T so the kids wouldn't overhear and figure out what we were talking about).  I think we made the right decision.  The kids are getting WAY more exercise than ever before, and soaking up some delicious Seattle sun!  We live right next to a park, so they have plenty of time on a "P" (playset) that someone else pays to maintain!

Back to the birthday (the actual day), Ben asked for eggies for breakfast, Mcdonalds for lunch, and Little Caesar's (actually just crazy bread) for dinner.  After lunch with his buddy Noah at Mcd's, Ben went to Noah's so Derek and his friend Mike could set up the trampoline.  The only casualty was the back of Mike's shorts which did a major split act (hehehe).  I met up Sarah after school and let her play on the playground until Libby was done with soccer.  Noah's mom dropped Ben off at the school too, so the kids could all get home at the same time. They were excited and delighted.  I (on the other hand) have to totally steer clear.  I panic when I watch them all jumping.  I am sure someone is going to get hurt.  I keep barking out orders about how they need to be careful.  I just have to not watch.  Knock on wood.  4 days and no broken bones.  Knock on wood again.

We just love our little Benny (who isn't quite so little anymore!)

Ben went with me to school on Wed and Mr. Tadlock took this beauty.  

Ben wanted a car cart at Home Depot, even though I needed to buy some big stuff.  This was the result.  Ben wedged in.  Then I created a tent for him of the cushions so that he didn't get a sunburn on his bare-ish little scalp.  Love his buzzcut!

There was some crying this week too.  When his sisters squirted him with the hose.  So cute when he cries!

Ben and Noah at McDonalds...having a blast.  

The BIG gift.  When Rachel and Brad called him later that evening to ask what he got, he listed absolutely everything BUT the trampoline.  Hilarious.  Brad had to give him several hints to get it out of him.  

Ben helped me with the Boa Constrictor eating Sarah.  We tried the mom assist method.  Worked out pretty well.