Ben and Lily

Ben has become great friends with the neighbor girl, Lily. These two have a blast together, and have each already had a "slumber party" at each other's houses. We move in less than two weeks, and are so sad to know Lily won't just be a few houses away. Playdates here we come!

Two peas in a pod (or a sleeping bag, whatever.)

Swimming Lessons (a little late)

In January, and early February, Ben took his very first swimming lessons. This was a special "Daddy and Ben" event, each Saturday morning. It was great to see him get more and more comfortable in the water each week. He floated on his stomach, held on to the wall and kicked, jumped in, and went all the way under the water! Of course no class is complete unless you take it with your best bud-Sophie was in his class too!

Getting ready to swim!

Having fun with Sophie.

Treasure hunt!

Practicing his swimming technique :)

Weekend in Benson

In late January, all of the Pearson family (including us Stays) went up to visit Grandma Beth at her new place in Benson. She is in the same building as before, but now has a MUCH bigger place. Big enough that we were all able to visit and have lunch on Sunday.

On Saturday, we had a big noon meal down in the common area at Grandma Beth's. We celebrated Jerry's 65th Birthday at that time too!

Grandpa, with all of his Grandkids (and Grandniece) for a birthday photo!

Back at the hotel, there were all sorts of fun things to do. Like swim!

The youngest-goofing off in the hotel hallway!

(Jeremiah, Ben and Emilia- or A-Million, as Ben likes to call her)

Jacob, Julianna, Jeremiah, Ben and Emilia - what a crew!

Slumber party!

Goodnight hugs for Grandma Beth.

Sunday morning reading. Ben still repeats the story that Julianna told him....something about never, ever catching a mouse.

What a great weekend!

The Acting Acadamy

Ben and his cousin Ava may just have a future in showbiz...neither are very shy, and both just love to be clowns! Here they are "honing" their future skills.

Show us:

POUTY

MAD

(anyone else think Mad and Pouty seemed similar? They might have to work on those two)

THE MONKEY

SUPRISED

TIRED

And last, but not least.....

SLEEPING

(Next class they work on closing their eyes for this one).

Ben's Christmas Remix

Ben has certainly made this holiday season one of our best, and brings us SO much joy. Here's his gift to all this Christmas season. We're hoping to retire next year when his album goes platinum. Enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Baker Ben

Ben made us some delicious sugar cookies this weekend. Here are his tips:

First, cut dough into fun shapes,

Then, decorate with LOTS of sprinkles and sugar...

(note the gingerbread man closest to him...)

OR, decorate with frosting - his colors of choice were pink, orange and green.

(yes, if you look closely, that is snot covered with flour on his face - cookies anyone?!)

Then, enjoy cookies with a big glass of milk!

Daddy's Little Helper

Ben is at such a great age right now...especially when it comes to wanting to help out around the house! Any chore is a treat. The first real snow gave him a taste of shoveling and, of course, he LOVED it!

Daddy and Ben - my two helpful boys!

"Shoveling is a piece of cake! Can I always do the shoveling?"

(yes, we are saving this for when he's a teenager)

"Step it up Daddy, I'm getting more done than you and I have a smaller shovel!"