Trip to Florida

Though our trip got off to a rocky start (storms, power outages, and vacations do not mix!) we made it to Florida last Saturday. We met the Cones and my parents there for some family fun. Benjamin was happy to see his Gram and Pop Pop, and Aunt Nicole, Uncle David, and Emma.

Ben loved his first trip to the beach! He learned to say "beach" and "shell" while we were there, and he was excited about the ocean. His first trip in the water caused a little anxiety when it splashed him in the face, so after that as long as Mommy was holding him, he was just fine.

After a couple of days on the beach, we went to

Butterfly World and saw so man

y butterflies and birds. Ben and Emma were in

awe of all the fluttering things around them! If it hadn't been so hot, we could've stayed all day.

Here are some more pictures from the trip. We are so glad that it worked out so we could visit with family and get away at the same time. We had a great week despite our late arrival, and just hope that the next time we fly with Ben, he will be a

better traveler. Flying with babies is exhausting!

Little Emma Claire!

Weekend Fun

Ben had a busy weekend full of fun activities! He had a playdate with his friend Joshua at the playground, and then he went shopping on Saturday night. He even had his first public temper tantrums (yes, that's plural...) at the mall-it felt like some kind of rite of passage for Mommy. Quite embarrassing when your child is screaming in the middle of a busy mall!! We survived, but I am not to eager to leave the house tomorrow...

Ben got a set of golf clubs so he doesn't have to use Daddy's anymore...that was getting a little dangerous! He absolutely loves golf right now and goes around saying "golf ball?" all day long while looking for them. So cute!

Ben also learned to drink from a straw with his new cup-such a big boy.

Just being silly!

Well...I couldn't resist putting his hair into a ponytail. You might think that it is time for a haircut, but oh no, we are going to hold out a while longer. I can't quite bring myself to part with the curls!