The things we learn.

So these days Benard and I are learning to communicate with each other. What a challenge that is. I tell him things and he doesn't understand me, then he will want something and I don't understand him. All phases of his life so far seem soooooo long and hard to adjust to, but really how many phases has he gone through in his short little life, many. Remember when I thought he would never drink from a bottle, now we are almost ready for him to give up his bottles. It all seems in the moment forever long and then when you look back, he was just a new born @ this time last year.

That is something else that I've been realizing lately, I do not have a baby anymore, Benard is a toddler. He is a motivated young guy that wants to learn about everything and be involved in everything. He is started to speack more and he laungage of choice is what I call 'izzies'. That is because he talks like what I can remember my second cousin Isabella Friesen talking like. Ben really wants to be involved when an adult is doing something. When cooking he wants to be held by the cook and he learned to shovel the driveway of snow a couple of weeks ago. Really if you let him, he will try to do everything an adult can.

It is an interesting phase more for me than for him, because I miss my little baby, but am so exited for the new things he is learning every day.

New Years Day

My Dad's extended family got together on New Years Day as what is becoming a little bit of a tradition. We eat, play games and get to see people we see little to non of during the year. So here are just a few pictures to capture that special time.

Here is Mike with Molly and Ben. Playing a game of chase, I think.

This is Brett, he is one of the newest members of our family.

Here Rachel and I are playing a game of SkipBo with Grandma and Jean. Rachel and Jean won, Grandma and I are having an off year with cards. We really shouldn't play together anymore we always loose.

Here is a picture with his second cousin Andrew. Andrew is much better @ playing with others, I guess we need to work on that.

Hockey Boy

Here is Benard with grandpa Friesen playing hockey. Last week Ben went into grandpa's workshop to see what he was doing and found a hockey stick. It was a really old hockey stick that Rachel and I played with when we were kids so it was short, but not short enough. Grandpa had to custumize it for Ben and made it even shorter. It was already late, so the first day they just played inside. I think it was the day after it was nice enough to finally go outside and Ben and his grandpa played hockey. Bellow is the first night and you can see what he one is above.

Ben now loves to play hockey and wants everyone to play as long as he gets both hockey sticks.

Thank you for the good times grandpa.

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.

Maybe Late but still cute. Halloween

Well, I know that The season has passed but we were house sitting and I didn't have my computer so here they are. Ben was a doctor and Mike was ninja doctor. I guess maybe when they grow up they can both be doctors or people who believe that they can do anything.

There not the greatest pics. but I hope they are enjoyed by all.