Ben tried out his new baseball bat this afternoon in the backyard. We found a foam bat and balls really cheap at Toys'RUs. We were actually searching for some new (inexpensive) golf clubs for Ben and found the bat instead. His favorite putter broke this morning. Curt mended it, but I don't think the repair will last forever. Ben seems to be becoming a lefty and all the clubs we found only worked for right-handed players. Oh well...we'll find some other clubs that work eventually. Getting ready to swing! We brought out his little baseball tee and he hit a few balls off of that. Knocking the ball off of the tee.

Because Ben really needs one! For dinner, I thought I would give him some yogurt on his plate. I figured he would make a small mess when some yogurt would drip off his spoon. I did not imagine that he would decide to place his hands in it and paint his face! He would literally get all of his palms covered and pat them on his face. It didn't last too long because I am not a fan of huge messes! But, while the fun lasted...he was sure having a good time!

I decided to make some banana bread this afternoon and, of course, I had a little helper. Ben helped to smash the bananas. He laughed and laughed when I would show him how to smash them in the bowl. His favorite task is usually stirring. Here he is helping to stir in some melted butter. After some other ingredients, it was time to stir in the flour. Isn't he the cutest helper? :) Our batter ready to go in the oven. One hour later, our banana bread was finished. I hope it tastes as good as it looks! We'll wait until Curt gets home, so that he can try it out with us. :)

We've been experiencing quite a few rainy days this week, so it was nice to see the sun shining today. I decided to take Ben to the zoo since we haven't been there in a couple weeks. When I told him we were going to the zoo he yelled, "Giraffes!" I think they might be his favorite part of the zoo. We didn't go through the whole zoo today, but instead took time to enjoy some of Ben's favorite parts. Ben driving a safari vehicle. I've never seen the lions this close! It was pretty exciting to see the male lion come right up by the window. One of the moms (whose kids are in the picture) said that the glass has never seemed so thin! The female lion stretching out on a branch. Ben watching a little mongoose. Playing on the drums. Pointing out the tail of an alligator floating in the water. We took a ride on the train. The conductor came by and asked Ben if he was ready for a train ride and Ben replied, "Choo! Choo!" We finished off our zoo trip ...

I took Ben out to the mall today to look for some upcoming birthday presents. After browsing through a few stores, I took Ben to the play area to let him run around a little bit. I didn't think that it would be that busy on a Tuesday morning, but it was pretty packed in there. When he was done playing, we went to look at the fountain before heading to the food court for lunch. Ben watching the fountain. Looking down at the coins that people have thrown in the fountain. Riding on a Bob the Builder ride near the food court. I put some change in it to make it run and Ben loved it! Curt was able to come and meet us for lunch. We all got Chick-Fil-A. Every time we eat at the food court lately, that seems to be the pick. Ben got a new book from his kid's meal and he was excited about that.

While the guys were off playing golf in the First Baptist Open, the rest of us went to the park to enjoy the West Fest. Ben and I went with Curt's mom and met my sister-in-law Molly and two nieces, Abby and Katie there. They had lots of fun activities all morning for the kids and we also ate a picnic lunch together before heading home. Abby on the stage with her dog, Macy. They had a pet parade and everyone who entered came up on the stage one at a time to show their pets. This guy sang some songs and played his keyboard to entertain the crowd. Abby and Katie showing off the face-painting they just had done. Ben going down one of the slides. Trying out a bike on the playground. Abby getting off the big slide she just went down. Ben dancing around with his new bear. The guy who was singing on the stage gave out a bear to a lady sitting behind us. She gave it to Ben and he was very excited to have a new stuffed animal. Katie's turn to go down the slide. Ben was too small t...

We are up in Cadillac, MI visiting Curt's family. The weather is sunny and beautiful. We decided to spend the morning walking on the path by Lake Cadillac with Curt's mom. We skipped the stroller and let Ben walk. That worked out well, for the most part. We did end up having to carry him a little bit. He saw some people swimming and decided he wanted to get into the water too. He wasn't happy that he couldn't get in the water, but we didn't have his suit or a towel with us. Overall, it was a great way to spend the morning. Ben saying "hello" to a few ducks. Looking down into the water to find some fish. Total fish seen...0. There is a "sound garden" right across from the lake. You can use sticks on the instruments to make different sounds. We could only find a little stick, but it at least made some noise. In the picture, Ben is using his stick to hit the metal things that made different sounds. Ben trying to climb some big rocks like daddy. ...

This evening, Ben climbed up on our chair by the computer and started moving the mouse around. I thought it was funny, so I got the camera out. I guess he has seen us use the computer a time or two. :)

Every year, our subdivision has a picnic in the park area at the back of the neighborhood. We didn't go last year because Ben was really too young to do any of the activities. This year they were having pony rides, balloon animals, moonwalks, etc...so we thought he might be able to at least do a few things. The weather was really hot and humid, but at least the rain from this morning had stopped. We enjoyed some food and had a fun time! Ben eating a rapidly melting ice cream cone. They had two cute miniature horses for the kids to ride. I wasn't sure if they would let Ben ride one, but they said he could. Curt held Ben from the side just to make sure he didn't slip off. Ben enjoying his ride. He loved it and they let him go around the circle for another turn because no one else was waiting for a ride. Ride 'um cowboy! They had a couple people there that were making really cool balloon animals, balls, swords, etc...They suggested a little turtle bracelet for Ben, so...

Our friends, Mark and Ashlea Bradshaw were visiting Indy this week, so we took a trip down there today to visit with them. We met each other and became friends when we all lived in Indy. Shortly after we moved to Fort Wayne, they moved to Illinois. They have two beautiful girls, Eva and Meg. We got to meet Meg for the first time. We had a good time eating dinner, going to the park, and getting some ice cream. I wished we lived closer together, so we could see each other more often! Eva watching Ben come down the slide. Eva's turn. So sweet...Eva helping Ben out of the slide. :) Me, my friend Ashlea, and little Meg. I got to hold Meg a while at the park. She is such a sweet baby and she has the cutest red hair (Eva too)!

Curt's parents came from Cadillac last night to stay for a little visit. They got to go see Curt play softball last night and today we took a trip to the zoo. We showed them all of Ben's favorite animals. He loves to feed the giraffes and brush the goats. Someone (named Ben) was a little cranky at the zoo. He wants to be free from his stroller to run wherever he feels like going. I let him have a few moments of freedom, but he was not a happy camper when it was time to get back in his stroller. Ben and papa feeding a giraffe. Ben laughing while he watched other people feed the giraffes. He loves to see their long tongues! Playing the drums with his grandma. Some monkeys Standing by the sea lion tank. Ben was excited to stand on the ledge and be out of his stroller. :) Ben with his Grandpa and Grandma Walker. I tried several times to get a picture of them all together, but Ben was not cooperative. This one has a finger in the mouth, but it was best one I could get. We finis...