Maui, Part 1

Brant and I have returned safely from our trip to Maui and although we had a great time, it is also nice to be home with Ben again. There is lots to share about the trip, so stay tuned. I'll start tonight with the last night of our trip, which was also our 5th wedding anniversary. That evening, we went to the Feast of Lele. We were greeted with a fresh flower lei and a mai tai - perfect! The whole event taking place at sunset on the beach made for a picturesque scene, to say the least. The dinner was five courses, with dishes from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand, plus dessert. Every course consisted of some sort of seafood, from mahi mahi to swordfish, plus a side and some sort of salad. We tasted lots of things we've never tasted before, some we liked better than others. With each course came a traditional dance from each culture. The dancers were incredible and so were the costumes. It was a great way to cap off an incredible trip and to celebrate our anniversary!

Hugs and Hiding

Ben had a big moment this morning. He said, "Love you." Oh my gosh, I almost started to cry. He has been giving bigs hugs lately and sometimes the kind where I try to pull him off, only to have him grapple at my neck. This morning when he woke up, we were sitting in the rocking chair looking at his books like we do every morning (all of which he calls Bible for some reason, even though only one is a Bible board book). He is so happy in the morning and we were talking and snuggling. I said, "Ben, can you say love you?" He gave me this big grin, said it, and then grabbed me for a big hug. Wow - incredible moment!

I also had my first incident of losing something important that Ben either hid or misplaced. I realized last night that my glasses were missing. The child puts things in the strangest places, such as lids to pots on the bookshelf and socks in drawers in the kitchen. So, I couldn't find them until this morning when we were playing and I happened to peek under the bed. There they were! That stinker!

Three days until Brant and I are off to Maui. Can't wait!

Summer Favorites

Although we are just in our second week of summer, Ben and I have found a few favorites that are extra special this summer. First, and foremost, is the park. In particular, slides and swings are our favorites. A playground was recently built in our neighborhood and it is wonderful to have somewhere to walk to. Ben could swing all afternoon, whether at the park or in our backyard. Last week, I also discovered his love for the slide. He sits on my lap to go down and wants to go over and over again. There is always a little squeal of delight at the end. Not only are we now regulars at our park, but are making the rounds to many other Ankeny parks as well.

The second summer favorite is ice cream. After a trip to the park a few days ago, Ben and I met my friend Heather at Dairy Queen to have ice cream. I bought a dish thinking Ben and I would share it, but my bites seemed minimal. The kid loves ice cream! We will definitely be doing that again!

The third summer favorite is music class. We go to music class on Monday mornings. Since starting music class in January, it is fun to think about how much Ben has changed. He has certain activities and songs he loves. He loves Ms. Tina's (his teacher) finger puppets, loves the peek-a-boo song with scarves, and loves some of the dances we learn. We have a CD of the songs to listen to at home, which is also great.

The fourth summer favorite is simply the great outdoors. We have learned that Ben is a child that loves to be outside. In fact, sometimes he cries when we have to go back in. He explores the grass, enjoys walking up and down the sidewalk, points at all the birds he sees and says "buh", checks out all our trees and bushes, and even likes to sit on our porch chair. I'm so thankful that he likes being outside so much, as I get a bit stir-crazy being inside too long myself.

The fifth summer favorite is a selfish one of my own. It is nap time and bed time. I love spending my day with Ben, but I also thoroughly enjoy a little summer time to myself when he is sleeping. I look forward to summer to have some time to read or do little things around the house. The peacefulness and quiet that nap and bed time bring is so, so sweet and never unappreciated.

We are hoping to add another favorite to our list soon, if the weather will warm up a bit. That favorite will be the Ankeny Splash Park and the baby pool in our own backyard! Hopefully, those adventures will occur soon.

Oops... apparently I forgot one thing. As I was sitting here on the stool at our breakfast bar, I looked down to see Ben holding his current favorite book. He was looking at me with pleading eyes, so I had to take a break to read it to him, followed by quite a few other favorites. Reading would not just be a summer favorite, but an all-the-time favorite for Ben! I wonder where he got that?!?