Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!

Big Snug is officially 3! We had a day long celebration (to go along with the 2+ week celebration since Sam's bday)! Ben was really kind of confused I think that it was his actual birthday. They had multiple parties so I think he was 3 a long time ago! The best part of the day was when Sammy, Dad and I went into his room in the morning and started singing Happy Birthday to him- he got the biggest smile on his face and kept saying "Thanks guys" "Thanks for the birthday song". It was the cutest thing ever! I'll never forget it!  We had a special breakfast at home - Dad was there, but then he unfortunately had to work. We met Grammie at Kings Island and were there most of the day. It was absolutely beautiful outside and the boys had a really fun time. They were so happy to be back at KI! Ben got to ride some new rides that he is now tall enough to ride - the swings, pumpkin roller coaster and then two new rides to the park this year (that I can't remember what they are called). We ran to Lowes to get some flowers where Ben proceeded to repeatedly dip his fingers in the muddy flower water on the ground and put them in his mouth - barf! Then we went to Holly Hills for dinner on the deck to watch the airplanes (kind of for his birthday and an early Mother's Day celebration) with the Smith fam. We somehow even made it home in time to play with the neighbor friends - what a day! Some updates on the Big Snug:
- WILD MAN - that is what Sam calls him (and Mom and Dad)! He is especially wild at night. He loves to get a bath and pretend he's shamu and thrash water out of the tub, be naked and run up and down the hall screaming "I'm naked". Tonight he even turned naked somersaults down the hall while I tried to tackle him and put lotion on him, while hysterically laughing. He has definitely earned the title of "Wild Man" in our house!
- Bedtime - still jacked up from his nakedness, Ben doesn't always go straight to sleep. We first do prayers where he likes to very quickly say the "open shut them" prayer and finish with a deep scary "Amen" that sounds hilarious. He won't go to sleep until Daddo rubs his head and Mom rubs his back and elbow. Yes, I said elbow. It's a new thing - he asks me to rub his elbow. Weird, but so funny!
- Mr. Talker - it's hard to believe Ben wasn't really talking 5 months ago. He seems so much happier now that he is able to communicate (who wouldn't be). He loves to ask "what's that"? Even things we know he knows, he likes to ask it anyway. And he likes to ask about weird things that I can't explain all that well - likes pipes and parts of a toilet. =-)
- Favorite Toys - His favorite toys are trains, trucks and cars - he will go sit and play with them and not need anyone's attention (especially if it's his brother who wants to just come in and take them to annoy him). He especially likes playing with his trucks in the backyard where he can pick up dirt and dump. He likes to jump on his "big boy" bike and ride. He loves Zingo and is starting to get into other board games. He loves any Thomas engine and track. He also likes to play on his leap pad and he is starting to try and do PacMan when Dad and Sam play. While he still loves Barney and blankie, every morning he likes to pick different animals to bring downstairs. You never know who he's going to pick!
- Favorite Foods - his go-to breakfast of choice is cheerios with bananas, strawberries and blueberries. And don't forget the milk and spoon Mom! His favorite lunch usually consists of PB&J. Not so much a dinner guy- but he loves his rice krispie treat or M&M yogurt for dessert! Or chocolate cake, ice cream or brownies - he's definitely our chocolate man!
- Favorite Shows - he loves Paw Patrol, Mickey, Thomas, Team UmiZoomi. He also loves his movie and popcorn night - gets so excited!
- Sweet Ben - our Ben Ben is the sweetest! He just has a such a sweet demeanor about him. He gets so excited to see family/friends. He loves his big brother and definitely misses him if he's not around. We love you Big Snug!!! Hoping you'll also enjoy reading this when you get older! XOXOXO Mommy and Daddo

Here are some party pictures - Boys are so fortunate to have such loving family and friends!