Grandparents

When she sees Benjamin, my friend Barbara always says, "Oh, he looks so much like your dad!"  Doesn't he?          

One of the great joys of being a parent is having our parents as grandparents.  JB and I are both so blessed to have such great parents to be grandparents to Benjamin.  My parents were here from NY last week, getting to know their grandson again.  JB's parents came down for an overnight, so we had both sets of grandparents ... and JB and I took off for the Mexico ... maybe some day.  

Benjamin really started talking a lot more while my parents were here last week and we had so much fun teaching him to imitate us.  This week it has gotten even better.  Or worse, depending on the words he learning.  A few days ago I broke a glass in the kitchen as I was washing up, and let out with a four letter word . . . which Benjamin repeated right back to me with the same tone.  I laughed because just the day before Amy asked me if B had learned any swear words yet, and I said, no of course not, why would he?  My laughter only encourage him to say it over and over again, so I eventually stopped.  

We visited with mom's sister Mary a few times while my parents were here and we had plenty of outings--to the park, to the zoo, to the World Hunger Relief Farm for Farm Day--but we primarily stayed around the house and out in the yard and played with Benjamin. Dad always helps us with at least one major project while he's visiting, and this time it was installing a new door on the side and a screen in the back door.  We are loving the increased ventilation.  Thanks, Dad! 

The semester is finally winding down, and I'm feeling some relief from the demands of this semester.  I need to remember not to take on so much again when my primary responsibility is raising a small child.  Between preparing a conference paper, teaching two classes, editing a newsletter, and taking charge of our church's Easter Retreat this year, I really just took on too much.  I don't think we cleaned the bathrooms more than once since January.  Ugh.        

I'm trying to plan some projects and events this summer without going overboard.  But for now, some pictures.  

I think the camel is eating mom's hair