Birds!

Yesterday we went to Soundside Park (just across the bridge, near the beach) for a neighbor's first birthday party.  Dan had a great time--climbing on the playground equipment, swinging, running across the boardwalk, eating cupcakes.  But the best part was at the very end when the hosts were cleaning up and decided to leave all the leftover crackers and bread for the seagulls.  They swooped in and Dan loved watching them eat!  Even though it was a little chilly (today is beautiful--70s and sunny, little breeze), we had a great time!

Obligatory Ben picture

This is from a few days ago, out in front of our house.  I was tired of holding Ben and Grace (the 2-month-old across the street) had a lot of room in her stroller, so I plopped him down.  Don't worry--there was no funny business!

Brothers in the crib

For some reason, Dan always wants to be in a confined space with Ben.  If Ben is in the crib, Dan wants to be in there too.  Same for the pack & play.  Even when Ben is in his high chair, Dan tries to climb up and sit on top of him.  I guess Dan loves his brother, but I think Ben wouldn't mind having his own space every now and then.

From this morning:

Ben the Sitter!

At just over 5 1/2 months, Ben can sit on his own!  For a few seconds at a time, if I prop him up just right.  But he did sit long enough on the bed so that I could run and get the camera, so I'm calling that good enough!

TIMBERRRRR!

Always getting piled on

Poor baby brother Ben.  He was just on his play mat, minding his own business, when big brother Dan decided to empty the toy box on him, one toy at a time.  It was actually pretty funny--Dan would announce what toy he was dropping next ("el-phant," "book," etc.) and then plop it right next to Ben.  As is typical of second children, Ben is very mild-mannered and easy-going, so he just went with the flow and tried to eat whatever toy was nearest to his head.  I really didn't think it was possible for my boys to be best buds this early, but they really are!

Marbles

Since we had to go back to Raleigh to pick up the computer on Saturday, we decided to make a day of it!  Country mice go to the city, if you will.  (Anybody else remember that book?)  When we got to the big city, we headed to Marbles, an interactive children's museum.  Needless to say, Dan loved it!  We probably could have stayed there all day without getting bored.  He especially loved the transportation room, with its ambulance, bus, train table, and fireman clothes.  He also loved the water play area, even with his silly smock on.  Unfortunately, my camera battery died before we finished up but we had a great day.  I just wish we lived a little closer to Raleigh, but we will definitely be back in the future!

Ignore the creepy guy in the background.

Don't forget about me, lady!

Post-supper fun

Since Ben started joining us for meals, Dan has developed a new post-dinner ritual.  While I'm clearing off the table and doing the dishes, he likes to pull Ben's seat out a little bit and then move from side to side around Ben's chair.  They both get a good laugh out of this game and I love having them occupied while I clean up!

Random phone pictures

While I was without a computer, I took some cute pictures with my phone that I'm just now getting around to uploading.  I usually try and take at least one good picture of the boys every day so I can text message it to Zach at work.  He likes seeing his little men since he's away from them so much of the day!