A visit to Proctor Springs, maybe the only reliably wet, mossy place in Waco. 

Ben got to do all of his favorite things:
climbing on rocks, playing in the water, and getting good and muddy.  

A study in contrasts.  I gave each of them a little blob of dough to make their
own bread.  K's survived and Ben's...

...well, I don't think we tried to salvage this.
We also did a little painting project outside with similar results.
Benjamin was covered in paint from head to toe.  His friend was seriously spotless.  Amazing. 

We had a grandparent visit!  Ben got to stay up late for his first fireworks,
and here we are at the farmer's market.  E has discovered the game of 1-2-3 swing!

Didn't someone out there give Ben this silly straw for Christmas??  

Eliza finally got her way with Benjamin's bunk bed this week.  She has always been strong-willed, and that quality has been directed at increasingly more specific things as she has her awareness of the world has developed. Lately it has been climbing up the ladder to Benjamin's top-bunk, where he plays when he wants to be by himself.  She is also persistent with wanting to wash her hands at the sink like Ben, climb on Ben's kitchen chair, use Ben's art supplies, etc.  The pattern is obvious and predictable for a second child, but I just didn't expect, and really I have to admire, both her awareness and her persistence.

Anyway, I finally gave in and let her play up on the bunk with Ben and they had a grand time with puzzles, dominoes and legos.  It is such a pleasure to see them playing together.  And yes, I was standing there the whole time, keepin' things safe.  We also keep the ladder tucked away when not in use, so the top bunk is only a sometimes place, even for B.  

Mom, go away.  We were having fun without you.