Day 21

4 years ago. How can that be? It seems like I have known the kid forever. He was my easiest birth, by far. Such a sweet, easy baby. I will admit that as I went through pictures from 4 years ago, I got a little teary. Not a baby anymore. Sigh.

And here is that bugger today, 4 years later. We went to dinner tonight at Vinny's (Ben's pick). He loves the spinach and artichoke dip there. We let him pick the dessert to share and he chose tiramisu. Love this kid.

And here is my little birthday boy this morning carrying his presents to the living room to open. Doesn't he look thrilled?

So, let's discuss Ben at 4 for a moment:

(1) The kid LOVES candy. Lives for it. He likes the sour stuff (ala sour patch kids) and the hard stuff (ala lollipops). He would choose either of those over a snickers bar (for real!)

(2) Coloring/painting/anything art is his passion. He almost always has colorful hands.

(3) He hates to be alone.

(4) He idolizes his brother and adores his little sister (sometimes TOO much, actually).

(5) He is a great sharer and is always wanting to make sure his brother gets what he gets.

(6) He is a bit short - he can still wear some 2T clothes, but they are a wee bit too short.

(7) He has a great vocabulary

(8) He can write just about any word by copying it, but he does not "know" his alphabet by sight, except for B.E.N.

(9) His best buds at school are Cassidy and Anna.

(10) He loves Scooby Doo.

(11) He is a crack up. Totally funny.

(12) He loves to sleep with stuffed animals.

(13) He has an amazing imagination. For example, "What if Daddy locked the doors and could not get out because they were MAGIC doors?" How do you answer that one?

(14) He loves condiments. Ketchup. Honey mustard. Ranch. You name it.

He is BenBen. We love him to death.

Now one more picture for the road.... my 3 bambinos as we left the house for dinner tonight (yes, we finally made it out!)