200!!

That's right few dear readers, this is post #200! Hooray! I had a half-nakey monkey running around last night and he looked so cute that his MeeMee insisted I grab the camera.  What better way to commemorate this milestone post than some cute pics of our half-naked Monk-a-Dude (that's short for Monkeydoodlebritches).

Each day with him continues to be more fun and exhausting than the day before:).  I am so very blessed to have such a beautiful family and my dream job caring for this precious boy.  Enjoy.

rough day at the office

WOW Museum

This morning we joined frequent Tuesday play-daters Wyatt, and his mama, Jess at the WOW Children's Museum.  This lovely tucked-away gem was very busy as we woke to snow this morning after enjoying 80 degree temps last weekend. 

last Saturday afternoon

The WOW museum is certainly a place that can and will entertain Ben for years to come.  Many of the activities would be more enjoyed by the 3-8 year old set, but Ben mostly had fun nonetheless.  Unfortunately this was one of his first lessons in taking turns and it was hard for him to grasp that he couldn't stay on the moving Jeep non-stop.  We practiced waiting in line a couple times, but the tantruming did not end.  After awhile he was distracted by other fun activities.  Rather than name all the fun things WOW offered, I'll let you look HERE if you care:).  

in the dance mirror-A Tale of Two Ben's-a scary story

the ball room was a big hit with both boys

this is the pirate ship with a book-nook that has a fish tank inside:).

the culprit Jeep ride

After playing we enjoyed lunch at Santiago's and a gorgeous drive to run some errands in Boulder.  The fog lifting off the snow covered Flatirons and many farms with green green grass peeking through the dusting of snow had me longing for warmer temps, wider road shoulders and a bag full of lenses I covet.  The pictures in my mind are gorgeous and the beautiful calm drive hit the spot:).

Tot Music and Movement

If you read my last post, you know I found the Egg Hunt while perusing the Apex catalog.  During that perusal I also found a Tot Music and Movement class, and Ben and I attended the first one yesterday!  Part of my pushing for story-time to workout the last few weeks was that I know Ben needs to be around other kids more and he loves being out and busy.  I also know he's very active and story-time was asking a lot of him right now.  I think this class was just what my busy toddler ordered :).  

Ben enjoyed every minute including chasing the oldest boy in the class around the Apex center for twenty minutes before class began.  The class proved once again the Ben is indeed very outgoing.  He was happiest in the center of everyone and also very happy to hand out and share all the musical instruments when the time for them came.  Though most of his classmates were happiest closer to their moms and dads, the group was a great mix of ages 1.5-3, abilities, and gender.  It's an 8 week class and I know Ben and I are both looking very forward to every one!!

Apex Egg Hunt

The Apex is the recreation district that MeeMee lives in.  While perusing the catalog for classes for the Nugget and I early last month, I came across the Egg Hunt advertisement.  Tante joined us at The Compound (MeeMee's house is now referred to as the Family Compound) late Friday night after dinner with friends nearby and we all loaded up Saturday morning to head out to hunt.  

The hunting took place on an indoor soccer field and kiddos were split into 3 age groups.  There was also face painting, dancing, and of course, the Easter Armadillo to entertain as the kids waited impatiently. 

Ben enjoyed every minute except running face first into the very clean glass that rings the field :(.

He did a great job gathering eggs and putting them in his basket as we practiced, but had even more fun running on the big open field as the kids filed out because the eggs were gone.  We did not get one of two coveted golden tickets, but did collect enough "one-month free" martial arts coupons for nearly a year of karate:).

If you look closely, you can see the Easter Armadillo :).

really????

"all clean glass must immediately be licked and nosed."

his first good vantage point to all the eggs!!

with Tante and MeeMee

having to wait for the official "go!"

 

gettin' it down :)

 

realizing they are stuffed :)

1 happy fam

Ryan and I will not soon forget our final practice session Friday night as I ran quickly and frantically about the living room gathering the "hidden" eggs and trying to express to Ben the excitement, commotion and need for speed Saturday would require.   Ryan mentioned something about not needing to teach Ben how to go crazy, but that's just what he did when it was his turn:).  He ran speedily about throwing the eggs and at one point slapping one against the lip of the table sending it airborne across the room.  All of this was while screaming and squealing and I quickly realized he wasn't far off from my demonstration.  It was a great lesson for me that he will do what he sees and what he saw that night was one crazy competitive Mama:).

practicing:)