Thomas the Train!

For the 2nd year in a row, Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe took Ben to ride Thomas the Train in Fillmore. He's not a big fan of the crowds, but he LOVES the train ride. He also got to hang out with his buddies Tristan and Drew.

Drew (3) and Dylan's (1) FUN Birthday Party!!

Ben had SUCH a great time at Drew and Dylan's birthday party. It was a tractor party with horses and chickens on a big ranch in Malibu...just beautiful.

Ben's Stats

Ben had his 3-year checkup this month. I want to keep a record of his 1-year, 2-year and 3-years stats for his blog - so here we go:

3 year stats - Length = 38 1/2" (75%), Weight = 37 lbs. (90%)
2 year stats - Length = 34 1/4" (50%), Weight = 31 lbs. (75%)
1 year stats - Length = 31" (90%), Weight = 25 lbs. 1oz. (85%)

Here's the smile I got before his doctor's appointment :)

Ben's 3rd Birthday Celebration(s)!

We decided not to do a big birthday party for Ben this year. 1. Ben hates big party's 2. I left for China for school the night of his birthday.

Day 1 - On Thursday, we took him to the LA Zoo with Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe. Ben is definitely a zoo kid - he likes making the rounds at his own pace in an un-frenzied environment. We went there for the animals, but Ben of course was more enthralled with the construction site where they were building a new part of the zoo.
Day 2 - On Friday we loaded up a van with Grandma Sharon, Papa Joe, Uncle Mark and his cousins Sam, Amber, Johny and Jillian and went to Knotts Berry Farm! Johny hung out with Ben all day and rode almost all of the Campy Snoopy kiddie rides with him (voluntarily!). Ben has some amazing cousins who love him dearly. We had so much fun! Ben, mommy and daddy are so proud of the independent, empathetic, athletic and handsome little 3-year-old you've become. You are one-of-a-kind, and we love you so very much.

Potty Training Progression

Potty training has gone so well - we almost forgot to mention it. We started introducing Ben to the potty last year. In the middle of February he started wearing big boy underwear, and never looked back. Now he asks to be left alone and sometimes asks for a truck book!

Wii, Park with Papa Wayne and Tractors!

Ben's little friend Sean is a Wii wizard. He showed Ben how to play last weekend. Ben was so excited the next day to explore at the park with cousin Jillian and Papa Wayne and find tractors!!Instead of lifting him up, Jillian just put Ben on top of the fountain to get a drink. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

Ben's First Black Eye!

Ben got his first shiner this weekend, and daddy is so proud.(We wont tell anyone that he got it by falling on Grandma Sharon's coffee table in the middle of his happy dance). :)