bye-bye baby bye-bye (Ben is 3)

Yesterday Ben turned the big 0-3!! I don't think it's really sunk in that he's technically no longer baby or toddler, but preschooler and big-kid through and through.  Ben was quite confused as we'd told him for weeks about his party on Saturday and every time I told him it was his birthday he said, "not Tuesday, birthday on Saturday." :)
We had planned to head to Grand Lodge in Breckenridge for the night to celebrate so Ryan had the day off! :) Breck didn't work out but we made a great day out of being home.
We started the day at the SK CEE (Stephen Knight Center for Early Education,) Ben's new school, and met his new teachers Ms. Corrina and Ms. Bailey.  As Ryan said, Ms. Corrina seems like a perfect blend of warmth and firm-ness needed to deal with headstrong three year olds. 

(I'll write more about school in another post.)

Next stop was the zoo for Dada's first visit of the year.  It was great for Ben and I too as we did several things we hadn't at our many visits this year.  We ventured through tropical discovery, (the aquariums,) and saw both the seal and sea lion show and the elephant swimming and fact demonstration.  It has been HOT in the mile high city and this day was no exception.  Cool margaritas and shade on the Pinche Taco patio was the perfect antidote to the heat.  

feeling a polar bear fur

 

"what's a guy gotta do to get some zzzz's around here?"

lots of this series of pics show Ben doing everything to avoid my kissies :)

this was the first time I saw an elephant swim

All grown up at lunch and using Dada's hat to beat the heat.

Ben was asleep within minutes of getting in the car after lunch so we swung through Lowe's to get his gift in secret.  We had planned on taking him in to get it but this worked great!  We got home and Ryan snuck inside to his room while Ben snoozed away.  When he woke and we went in, I was able to distract him with outdoor and basement play while Ryan finished his surprise. 

click here for the big reveal

Dinner was Ben's request of "hot burgers" and we ended the day with fresh Palisade peaches on vanilla ice cream.  Without the help of neighbor Joe to open gifts, getting Ben to open them was like pulling teeth.  Many people tell me this will change quickly but begging my son to open special, thoughtful gifts feels so wrong.  Maybe Christmas will be better with everyone opening and taking turns.

 

Opening awesome blocks and a memory game from the TS's. After this gift he opened the rest.........

 

.......under the table.

The Monster at the End of this Book was one of my favorites as a kid and I was delighted to share it with Ben.

Overall the day was delightful and Ben repeated, "Dada here. Dada not at work." regularly throughout the day.  Next up is getting him to change his response to "how old are you?" When we tell him he's three he still says, "nooooooo. two!" :)
We have a well-child visit Friday and I'll share some more about his 3-year-old development then.