Ben turns 8!

Our wonderful Ben turned 8 years old!  Our children are growing up.  

Ben is such an important part of our family.  He has such a strong desire to do what is right.  I love that about him!  He is responsible and quick to do his chores.  He is so patient with Jacob and really does a lot to help Jacob.  He is really interested in learning new things.  Adam likes to tease Ben because one of the most common phrases we hear out of his mouth is "I read in a book that...."  He doesn't read a lot of fiction, but he really enjoys non-fiction.  He has thrived as Greg has taken the time to teach both Lizzy and Ben some computer programming.  Greg held class for them for several Saturday mornings.  It was something Ben really looked forward to and really did well at understanding.  I think he thinks a lot like Greg.

Ben also really enjoys playing the piano.  He really took off this summer and probably sits down to play more than any of the other kids.  He was student of the week a few weeks ago and he put on his information sheet that he wanted to be a pianist when he grows up. It makes me so happy that he loves music so much.  I used to worry that he would have a really hard time playing piano because of his hand tremors, but he hasn't had any problems with it.  In fact he is getting so good sometimes I am unsure who is playing, if it is him or one of the girls.

Ben is kind, loving and responsible.  He is pretty quiet outside of our home, but comfortable and happy as can be at home.  He really is an amazing kid.  We are so thankful to have him.

True to form, Ben enjoys being with or family so much more than playing with friends, so he wanted just our family to go to Incredible Pizza.  Eight is a very special birthday so we obliged.  We went on his actual birthday, a Tuesday night.  It was awesome.  Saturdays are packed at Incredible Pizza, but Tuesday there was hardly anyone.  We got passes so the kids could do all the rides as many times as they wanted.  It was really fun for all of us.

The kids are enjoying the bumper cars.  Even though this was not their favorite, it was still fun, especially for the younger two.  I love Adam's face in this one.  

One of the favorites for the night-- a motion simulator.  There were a few different courses it would take you through so the kids all tried to experience them all.  

More Motion Simulation

After Incredible Pizza we had a quick present opening session and then some cake and Ice Cream.  It was a late night, but a fun one!

Below are some random pictures Anna took of Ben one day while they were playing outside.  I love this boy!  Happy Birthday Ben!