Neil's First Party Invitation

Neil was invited to his first birthday party, well without Ben that is. Kaylah from his preschool class invited him to her fourth birthday party at the park near us. It was a super nice afternoon and the kids got to play in the splash pad, on the playground equipment and with bubbles. But the best part at least for Ben was the face painting, Neil refused, of course. (Yep, Ben got to go after all since I didn't have a sitter and Brian had two games to ref.) Also in attendance was another girl from preschool, Lily. Based on what their moms tell me it sounds like the two girl can't agree on who is Neil's girlfriend. Neil is such a cad, he can't even keep their names straight. It was an interesting party for me too since Kaylah's family is from the Philippines and her mom, Candice, was eager to introduce me to their cuisine. Have to say I had a really good purple yam dish with coconut.

Kaylah has told her mom, "Neil is so handsome, I want to marry him."

Ben with his face paint.

Sox Game

We took the boys to their first Sox game. Neil was quite into the game and Ben was quite into the fireworks every time they hit a home run. We ate all kinds of goodies; ice cream, hot dogs, pop corn and nachos. (...more about this later). We did stretch our legs a few times where we took an opportunity to visit Guest Relations and get certificates proclaiming their first game. Oh, not to mention we also received statues of Carlton Fisk, who we now realize is a retired Sox catcher. Finally, we took a trip to the top level of the stadium, well because Neil wanted to see it. Funny cause as we approached the stadium Neil said he didn't want to go in because he is afraid of heights. (The things out of this kids mouth, I tell ya.) So we managed to make it until the 7th inning and decided that was enough for us. Drove home, thought hmm real food might be a good idea. Pulled in a parking lot only to be meet with "no, no, no, I can't eat anymore my tummy isn't feeling well and I want to go home and lay on the couch!" So we drove them home. Made one stop because Neil's shade of green was becoming unusually alarming. But no puking... until we got home. He walked straight to the couch and threw it all up there. So there you have it our first MLB experience.

We are amused by how it appears Ben is having a beer instead of me.

Ben's Kindergarten Graduation

I will not bore you with the details of my latest camera/video debacle, suffice it to say I fear I am showing my age with my inability to properly document my boys benchmarks.

Here is Ben receiving his diploma plus a red stuffed graduation bear.

His class performed three songs for us all about how they were advancing to the first grade. One of them set to the music of the Addams Family. Which we were pretty amused by since we couldn't quite figure out his new found passion for snapping his fingers. Boy he sure didn't know all the words to the song, but he was able to snap at all the right places.

I think Ben felt special on this day, but not as special as some of his classmates given the new suits, dresses and bouquets of flowers and balloons they were given. (I am suppressing an eye roll here.)

Ben with Mrs. Baranoski who he has had a crush on all year.