A.J. Birthday

Yesterday was A.J.'s first birthday party. He is really cute walking around and grunting like a little caveman. We had a great time in Columbia.

Charlie is as cute as ever. He was having fun swimming and shooting everyone with his water guns. This week he will be in St. Louis so hopefully we will get to hang out with him while he is in town.

Ben went swimming for the first time. As you can see, he basically had no reaction whatsoever - no smiling and no crying. At least we didn't scar him for life making him fear water forever! Right?!

A Feast Fit for a King

Well, Ben had another big day on Friday. He tried rice cereal for the first time - yum! He squealed in delight when he saw the bowl and spoon, but when I would spoon cereal into his mouth he frowned and seemed annoyed. Ben did not like the spoon to leave his mouth - - - I think he wanted the food to replenish itself like milk from a bottle.

We have been staying at Tim and Amanda's for the past four nights. We haven't had power since the storm came through last week. Hopefully it will be up again soon and we can use the high chair Jim and Joan got for us for feeding time. . . and sleep in our own beds. BUT, Joe and I have decided to buy a two-family mansion with Tim and Amanda so we have extra sets of hands to help with Ben. Tim and Amanda, does this sound like a plan??

The Big Roll

Ben had a big day at Aunt Amanda's last week. He rolled over from his back to his tummy. He has been sucking on his toes for a long time, so we could tell the big roll was coming soon. Thanks to Aunt Amanda for taking these cute pics so we could see him even though we couldn't be there!

Yes, Ben has grandparents

Yes, mom - Ben has grandparents! AND apparently they don't like it when they are left off the blog. They all spoil him rotten and are nice enough to spoil us as well. thank you. . .

Music at the Garden

We had the best night at the Botanical Gardens with Mike & Carolyn last week. Our joke is that we are going to hit every outdoor festival this summer because Ben loves to be outside (and he can scream as loud as he wants - if necessary) - - - it's a great way to feel like we actually have a social life! Dale Chihuly has a glass exhibit and we got to see some of the pieces in the garden.