Ben & Daddy Day

Benard and I have had the chance to spend a few days together lately. Just the two of us, the men of the family. Ben has recently had ear infections in both ears, so he's stayed home with Grandma & Grandpa, and me.

I've loved having my little buddy out with me. It's been lots of fun to just hang out and run errands with him...though he was sometimes tired.

On Friday we were at the mall visiting Grandma & Grandpa Friesen when they suggested we hop in line for Santa. After waiting with some other couples who were quite impressed at Ben's size, we got his picture taken. It turned out awesome, and my friend who works as Santa's helper said that Benard was one of the best kids through there. I think it helps that Santa looks a little like Grandad does with the beard and all.
Ben had a wonderful smile and was all excited to play with all of the toys and Christmas trees. We waited for the photo and Ben walked around trying to grab everything from the trees to the ornaments, and even the fence surrounding the place. Enjoy the picture, we sure do!

Benard's Birthday Bash!!!!!!

Well, the birthday boy thought he should be the king of the castle for his birthday. We all had a great time with all the kids, big and small, running around and getting the pent up energy out from weeks of being inside.

There was cake but no presents. For Ben's first birthday and for as long as he will let us, he will not be receiving presents @ his birthday party. Mike and I decided that for Ben's birthday he will be contributing to others and not to himself. That means that Ben raised money and donations for Seeds of Hope and their work in Zambia, Africa. The reason that we chose Seeds of Hope is because I met the little boy there that Ben is named after. All of those who came contributed and raised $630 and also some needs that we knew of were filled physically. It was a great time and raised money for a good cause.

Here Ben is with Mike's co-worker, Dave and his son Zane.

Here Rachel and Ian are eating some of the Bear cupcake/cake that I made for Ben. It was really good icing.

Ben's cousin Jaclyn hanging out with his girlfriend Gabriella.

Mike and I thought to bring Ben's truck @ the last minute and it was really a good thing. Everyone enjoyed it being there especially Eric who isn't in this picture. In the picture; Logan, Jaclyn and Benard.

Ben with his first birthday cake made out of cupcakes and shaped as a bear. He really enjoyed it.

My little Traveler.

Here I am with my little traveler. Ben really enjoys the train as long as there are other people on the train other than me. He just loves to socialize with people and talk and laugh with them. There was one day that we were the only two people left on the car and he was screaming and crying the whole rest of the way. Now if we are the only two left, I look for other people maybe upstairs or if I must on another car.

So far I have run into really nice people on the train that miss Ben when he's gone. We drove for three weeks and we got a lot of comments when we returned. Even the conductors and other staff members miss him when he's gone. There is a woman that helps people out if they can't figure out how to get a ticket and she just loves seeing Ben every morning. She will play peek-a-boo with him or chase him and it is so nice that people love him going on the train.

Don't get me wrong, there are people who look at me funny. They get bothered by him and they just want a quiet ride in or home. You can just see in peoples eyes whether or not they like kids and if they want us to be there or not.

Anyway here are a few pictures of Ben on a good day on the train just before he fell asleep drinking his bottle on my lap (that never happens). I couldn't find anyone to take that picture though.