Benson's THREE!!!

Happy Birthday Benson!

My tough guy turned three recently. I was thinking of what he has accomplished in his first three years and have to confess, I came up with a pretty long list. Through all his experiences he has learned to become resilient, tough, fun, adventurous, and very loving.

Mom's top 5 favorites about Benson:

1) He loves me unconditionally. I can almost always count on him playing with my hair and giving me a hug every time I pick him up. He is so full of love. A couple days ago I was sad for really no reason at all (maybe a little deprived from the sun) and Benson came over to me, gave me a hug, and said "I need you mommy". He is so sensitive to my feelings.

2) Full of adventure: Whenever I ask the boys if they want to do something adventurous--ex: rock climbing, bike riding, water skiing--Reece usually says "no" and Benson will always say "I want to"! He loves to play and have fun. He reminds me of my Dad--always on the go trying to fit as many fun things in a day as possible. Benson loves the outdoors and is a speed rocket on his bike. He is very courageous and willing to try anythings. I can't think of very many things that scare or intimidate him--he will try anything.

3) Loves to learn: Benson enjoys learning new things. I introduced him to the sounds of the alphabet and on his own he asks me what sound each letter makes (now when he sings the alphabet he sings "A ahhh Apple, B ba Benson, ect"). Thanks to his older brother he has his very own library which he is proud of. He puts books between the wood slats and Reece's mattress on their bunk beds. I find him many nights asleep with his arms wrapped around a book.

4) Loves to tease: Benson will make you laugh all day long. He is REALLY good at teasing--especially his older brother. He makes the funniest faces and does the silliest dances to try and bring you to a laugh. This is a classic example of Benson teasing: A while ago I taught Benson how to spell his name with a simple song (ABCCBA:Benson). Instead of Benson singing "B-E-N-S-O-N", he'll sing "B-E-N-S-O-P" with an emphasis on "P" and then will start laughing hysterically. It's hilarious!

5) Independent: Benson has more of an independent personality. He likes to do things for himself and doesn't make a big deal about the little things that don't matter. I've noticed with a lot of things he teaches himself how to do them and then takes care of business! I believe this is a blessing and something given to him to help him stay healthy with his diabetes. My hope is he will be independent and responsible in taking care of himself when the time is right (9-10 yrs old). He is really good at telling me when he is low--he has this special voice he uses and says, "I'm hungry, I need food". He still gives me a finger when I pull the kit out to check him!

Here are some highlights from his birthday party!!

Aunt Natty and Benson

Mr. Frog cake (I copied the idea from www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com) and I made the yummy cupcakes with my mom-in-laws cake decorating kit. Miller cousins! We were so excited to have Colby and Ethan join us from Utah for Benson's birthday!! They are super fun and we wish they lived closer!!

Jake was darling and thought we were singing Happy Birthday to him because he was standing in front of the cake. Benson was oblivious to the whole thing. It was cute!

Now, that is a satisfied face!!

Benson had EXTRA help opening presents. He was so bummed because we would give him a present, they would help him open it, and then we would take it away before he could play with it so he could open another present. It was rather adorable. He would also say, "I love this" after he realized what it was!

The grandparents! We LOVE LOVE LOVE you!

Grandma Blo and Benson

More cousin fun!

Kristi tried to take our family picture for Benson's birthday and this was honestly the best one (she took like 20 pictures too!).

We LOVE you BENSON!!! You are such a joy to have in our family.