The Benson Boys: April 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Graduation

Today's was Grant's very last day of "preschool" (as we have been calling it this year), although what it really is called is "ECFE (Early Childhood and Family Education) Toddler Class". I have been attending these classes with the boys since Joel was born and it was a little emotional to say good bye this morning at our last class. Through these classes over the last 4 years, I have learned so much, had MANY wonderful, honest, real, conversations with other moms, and have met many wonderful life long friends. I had no idea that our days in ECFE class would go so quickly! Next year, BOTH Joel and Grant will be big "preschoolers" and this ECFE mom will just be needed for drop-off and pick-up:)

The beloved "parachute" (one of Grant's favorites)

... and speaking of "beloved"... the beloved Daddy got to come to class today as well. Grant was thrilled.

Teacher, Lisa, helping Grant with some painting.

The boys around the trains... not an unusual sight in class.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

New Sport!

Joel had his very first karate lesson today! He loved it and I was so proud of how well he paid attention and listened to the instructors. Getting to class was anything but smooth... he did NOT like the karate suit and was screaming (if that is even the word for the terrible sounds he was making) and trying to rip it off his body. He actually did take it off once as we were attempting to get out the door. Normally, I wouldn't really feel the need to do this, but I KNEW he would love karate once we got there, so I physically forced him into the outfit and carried him out to the car screaming. It was a good thing my mom was here as well because Grant was screaming and hating his karate suit just as much as Joel, so it really did take two of us to get them out the door.

Once we got there, he warmed out immediately and wanted to go into the room with the kids doing karate. They spent most of the time just stretching, jumping jacks, making some noises and a few kicks. It was fun to watch.

Unfortunately, Grant decided to just watch as well (although he was also signed up for the lesson). He is a little young, but I figured he would want to be out there if Joel was, but I guess I was wrong. We have 8 lessons, so who knows, maybe he will change his mind. Otherwise, he can just watch with me and try again another year if he wants.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Adventures at 1017 6th Avenue

I finally grabbed my mom's memory card and downloaded some pics from her camera from this winter/spring. I didn't edit them at all and a few are blurry, but still cute. The little guys continue to spend a couple nights a month at Nana and Papa' house in Buffalo. Jeff and I get out beloved "date nights" and the kids have have all sorts of fun, as you can see below... in reverse order I think...