Our First T-ball Game

I was hoping to share some highlight videos from the game, but the either the new iPhone video or the new blogger technology keeps showing it very small and un-viewable. Sorry. Anyway both boys made good catches, throws and hits.

The best part was Neil was given the game ball. Coach Joe said he made some good catches and hits. Plus Neil only stomped his foot once at him. Here they are together.

Neil is quite proud of his award, guess it will need a case.

Special note for Busia: Nope, we didn't even have to buy the whole team ice cream for that ball. We'll bring snacks later this season.

Spring Break in Madison

Let me start by saying from here on out I must figure out a way to get our trips moving in a southerly direction. We've had a nice warm spring and when you travel north it's down right cold.

Now to the real story. Went to Madison. Stayed at a hotel with our travel points that had a mini indoor waterpark. This was perfect for Ben, the slide was big enough to keep him happy and I guess too big for Neil since he refused to go down.

We also spent an afternoon at the Children's museum followed by dinner with friends. Did I mention this ended up also being a pub tour trip? Yep, we hit Great Dane, Graze, Old Fashioned, and a surprise favorite The Grumpy Troll. Despite all the beer drinking we also toured the Cave of the Mounds. Neil started out truly scared to go in, but worked through his apprehension and ended up enjoying himself and asking questions.

Ben loved this town where he could set up roads and buildings.

Neil couldn't get enough of the pizza oven where he turned the crank for the pizza to run on the conveyor. Let's hope he aspires to more than a job at Quizno's.

Hello? Can you come get me? Mom and dad put aside way too much time at the children's museum.

Hey look at me, "I'm just like Papa".

Too cool for school – at least this week.

Spelunking!

Easter Egg Hunt

Their mission was to find 56 eggs. They did manage to complete it... after a few rounds of hot & cold. My mission was to get a photo of them in precious bunny ears to show their girlfriends in 10 years. Accomplished. They should just be thankful I got the blue ones instead of the pink.

They also got a couple of travel sized games from the Easter Bunny. Primarily because a Perfection game was found at Walmart which caused an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. If the name doesn't ring a bell, it's the one with all the different shaped pieces that have to be put into place before the timer goes off and the game board pops up and throws all the pieces out. Also picked up a Hungry, Hungry Hippo game to be fair to the younger one. Had no idea it would be the home-run purchase. Neil played it non-stop until we left for our spring break trip.

More from Neil & Ben

Ben: Mommy, you have 2 rings. Daddy gave you that one for your wedding.
Me: Yes, and this one Daddy gave me for our anniversary.
Neil: When will Daddy buy you another ring?
Me: I don't know Neil. You should really ask him.
Neil: Yeah he should get you a snowflake ring next.
Me: Really, okay.
Ben: I think he should get you a heart ring.
Neil: Yeah and a Matchbox ring!

Things Neil Says

Heather: I'm offensive.
Brian: Really?
Neil: Yeah, Daddy, you smell!
Heather: Well, at least we know he knows what offensive means.
Neil: Yeah, cause I'm a genius.

Easter Bunny Visit

Ben was the only one brave enough to sit next to this giant bunny. But Neil has been doing a very good impression of a bunny since he bounces everywhere he goes lately. The boys also had breakfast where Ben indulged in two serving of eggs and sausages, while Neil managed to scarf down SIX pancakes. Keep in mind this was only an hour or two after their regular breakfast. Neil may end up to be one of those competition eaters.

Ben's Speech Update 3-12

Today I meet with Ben's speech Pathologist, Mrs. Capp, as well as his Kindergarten teacher and the assistant principal. They had completed his 3-year evaluation which is how often students with an IEP (individual education plan) are evaluated. Not that any of us were surprised, but Ben no longer qualifies for special education services. We are very proud of the tremendous progress Ben has made with his speech since he entered the Early Intervention program back when he was 2 1/2. His speech and language skills are now on par with that of his peers. It was so encouraging to get this news and we were especially proud to hear that most of the children who start this program with the severity of his delay have to continue until 3rd grade. I know Ben will miss his special time with Mrs. Capp each week, but were glad for the extra time he can focus on his regular classroom assignments.