Our Lively Little Boy

We have always had a lot of fun with Benjamin, but lately, he has shown us more of his personality that I wanted to share. He has a lot of energy and loves to run around the house after "bad guys" or bears or any other imagined threat to our peaceful home. Sometimes he carries his cap gun, or a foam sword (from summer '09--thanks, K & K!) or just his "spider sense" when he, as Spiderman, throws the webs out from his wrists. Benji sits still for short periods of time to work on letters & numbers, listen to a book or eat a meal, but most of the time he is active. Thankfully, we are able to spend good outside time everyday!

Despite his high energy, Benjamin is still very sweet and affectionate. I'm glad he still likes to sit on my lap for a story or singing after a meal, even though he is getting so big. It has been a lot of fun to see him grow and develop this last year. Before he turned three, he didn't talk a lot and was not very easy to understand. Now, if you make eye contact with him, he will talk and talk and talk.....I think he learned that from his sister. :) Here are some pictures of him from the last week or so that capture his current interests and cuteness.

One of Benji's favorite books is the Firetruck book that was a gift to me from my cousin Brad when I was one! In the book, it says "the chief tells his men what to do" and the chief has a long mustache. So, when Benji dressed up as a fireman, he wanted to look like the chief and we came up with a handlebar mustache look with green yarn.

His favorite TV character is Barney Fife from the Andy Griffith show. He can actually quote Barney! Here he is pretending to be Barney and wearing a police hat that Clara made for him out of paper, tape and yarn.

Music is one of the favorite pastimes for all ages around here and I don't think Benji has missed a day of guitar practice since he got this for Christmas (except when we're out of town). Andy has taught him the G chord, so he actually played with our band in front of the whole church last Sunday! This is the practice spot that he set up by himself, using Clara's ironing board for a music stand. I have even caught him strumming that G chord and singing Johnny Cash songs!

I couldn't resist a snow picture!

This is from yesterday and he lasted outside longer than any of us did.

You can tell he had a ball.

And here is a short video of Benji reciting his "to-do" list for the day. Here's the outline, so you know what to listen for:

1. kill the bears out in the forest

2. go to McDonald's

3. back to the work bucket

Enjoy!