Christmas Fun and Happy New Year!

We had a very blessed Christmas and enjoyed seeing lots of family over the holiday weekend. The kids were more than blessed with lots of opening to do and enjoyed every minute. Elizabeth even got the hang of it and cried "open open" as she delighted in seeing the new things.

Santa was very good to both kids. The highlights included a new baby with a horse stroller for E and Stinky the Garbage Truck and a new dog (stuffed, of course) for Ben.

We have enjoyed some time off from work and school this week and made our annual trip to see the lights at Rhema. The picture is awful, but shows you that Ben was pretty much a blur the whole time dashing from one display to the next. We all enjoyed the light tunnel several times and look forward to going again next year.

Briefly pausing by the fountain for a picture

It may seem early to be posting this, but we have rung in the New Year McCullough style. The kids enjoyed watching Toy Story 3, eating Spaghetti-o's and playing some Wii games. Then at the stroke of 6pm we popped bubble wrap (thanks to Grandma Lyn and Grandpa David for those supplies!), wore fancy hats and shouted Happy New Year! The realistic element was added courtesy of CNN with shots of London and Moscow and their celebrations. Ben knew the routine pretty well, but even Elizabeth got into it and shouted "Appy Newear!" to all of us.

E's Christmas Party

Just before Christmas Elizabeth's class had their Christmas party. The kids were assigned a "secret Santa" for a gift exchange. Elizabeth got a little boy that we shopped for. Ben directed the shopping and we got a toy boat with blocks. Elizabeth's name was drawn by one of the little girls in class who must have similar tastes with Elizabeth. The gift was a baby doll complete with pacifier, bottle and teether - it couldn't have been more perfect! The kids also ate a festive snack and did a Christmas tree craft. It was a fun afternoon on the last day of school before Christmas break!

Eating yummy snack

E opening her new baby

The recipient of the boat

Christmas School Party and Program

Ben’s class party was Thursday. He enjoyed lots of treats and got to bring a gift to share with the class. The next day was the all school program. Ben’s class sang “Everyone Clap Hands for Santa Claus”. It is a “rock and roll” song and the kids had tie-dyed t-shirts and got to rock out. Ben even did parts of the song in a low Elvis type voice when he practiced. They knew that one of the staff members was going to dress up as Santa and come out during their performance. Even though they were prepared,

they all stopped singing and moving and just stared with open mouths at Santa when he came out. Ben was so excited to ask me about it later and is still wondering if it was Mr. Jeremy or the real Santa.

Elizabeth’s class sang Jingle Bells. All week during rehearsal time she wouldn’t even go on the stage and had to be held. Miraculously the large crowd must have scared her into doing anything her teachers asked. She sat on stage politely (with pacifier) and even shook her bells now and then. She had a special shirt with bells on it that she was pretty proud of and will probably wear more this week to show off to other friends and family.

Christmas Train and Letters to Santa

Our countdown to Christmas is going strong and the kids have really enjoyed all of our extra activities and traditions this month. The kids were to write a letter to Santa one of the nights as we were headed to see Santa that weekend and wanted to make sure we were prepared. Mom decided a picture letter might be best, so we used a bunch of toy catalogs and each kid got to pick what they wanted to put on their letter. Ben had lots of enthusiasm and used nearly all of the cutout pictures, but did share a few with his sister of the “girl toys”. Both kids were pleased with their creations and had great lists to take to Santa.

We visited Santa at the Christmas Train in Dry Gulch which is a little over an hour away from our house, northeast of Tulsa. It is a cute Old West style village with several restaurants and shops and the highlight is a Santa House and a train ride that tells the story of Jesus. We went to see Santa first to make sure the kids were at their happiest. Ben went right up to him and really enjoyed talking to him. He was a little starstruck so it was good that we brought his list to show as Ben couldn’t remember anything he wanted. Elizabeth was not so sure of Santa. She immediately climbed up Dad and starting crying. So we took a family picture with Santa so she could be near him, but still in Dad’s arms. The train ride was next and we got to enjoy it with some special family friends. Ben and Owen enjoyed the ride the most and Elizabeth and Kate tolerated it fine. The ride includes three live scenes depicting the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus along with additional pictures and narration. We enjoyed hot drinks and cinnamon rolls afterwards with our friends and then the kids were nearing bedtime and needed to head home.

Mom felt successful with the letter writing to Santa and sharing the letter with Santa after that weekend. The next day at school, Ben proudly pointed out his letter to Santa on the wall of the classroom. We read it together and Mom realized that the letter contained five items, none of which were on the original list. We will do our best to get the list to Santa in time and hope he comes through with some of the items. Ben wanted a couple of things that he already has, so hopefully he won’t be disappointed if he doesn’t get the entire list.

That night at home, Ben asked how to spell dog. Mom told him and he wanted it written on a piece of paper. Then he signed his full name Ben McCullough. We didn’t think much of it as he is into learning new words and writing things a lot these days. Ben then explained that he was going to place this “note” under the tree for Santa to find when he arrived on Christmas. Santa would then read it and leave a dog for Ben. Mom panicked a little and tried to explain that the family might not be ready for a dog and Santa couldn’t bring something that was too much trouble to take care of, but might when the family was ready down the road (years down the road). Ben laughed and explained that it was going to be so easy to take care of as it was a stuffed animal dog he wanted and Santa would know what to do when he saw the note under the tree. Mom is relieved but now hoping that there are no additional notes created in the next week, and if there are, that they are placed where Santa can find them. Hopefully it will all fit in the sleigh!

Church Christmas Program

Ben was one of the wise men in the Christmas Program at church. He enjoyed his elaborate costume and carrying the special gift to Baby Jesus. He most enjoyed the cookies afterward though. :) Ben did a great job and we enjoyed watching all of the kids in what has become a tradition for our church and family.

Christmas Plans and Celebrations

We have been gearing up for Christmas pretty much since Halloween. Thanksgiving weekend got us into high gear and we enjoyed making gingerbread houses with Aunt Terry and family, decorating our Christmas tree and hanging lights on our house and bushes. Ben was very good at inspecting the lights and was a great helper outside. He also caked millions of candy treats onto his gingerbread houses and hung many ornaments. Elizabeth was more interested in the ladder that Dad used to hang lights, but did enjoy decorating with the “pretties”. She also loves to see Christmas lights and looks completely amazed by their beauty.

Part of unpacking the Christmas decorations included discussion of the advent countdown calendar. Ben remembered the “treats” from last year and could not wait to open the first door. We discussed how we needed to wait a few days until December 1. The night before he told us that at school he learned that it would be a new month tomorrow. Did we know what that meant? Time to open the first door! It was as if the first day of advent was actually Christmas morning. He got up extra early and proceeded to ask us for about 30 minutes while we were getting ready if he could open the first door yet. Mom was not prepared for this and had thought that the activity would take place in the evening. Not willing to disappoint, we let him open the first door and have a chocolate treat for breakfast. We did decide that we would delay the activity for the day until after school, so we could look forward to having time to enjoy the reading of the Christmas story together.

Some of our activities in the countdown will include crafts, writing a letter to Santa and visiting the Christmas Train. We are looking forward to making this month special for both of the kids as we look forward to celebrating together.

The kids have a program at school and Ben has already learned the song they are performing. He will also get to be a wise man in the program at church this month. Pictures and details to come. We just wanted to share how we were preparing for the holidays and getting excited about the upcoming events.

Halloween Weekend

Our Halloween weekend started with a school carnival Friday afternoon. E had been sick all week so she wasn’t able to attend, but Ben and Mom got to go and had a great time. Ben enjoyed several crafts and games and was proud to sport his knight costume and check out all of the other kids.

His class also decorated pumpkins with face stickers that day. He was so proud of his because he was the only one to use the eyebrows as a mustache and beard. So creative!

On Saturday we all went to carve pumpkins at Grandma Lyn and Grandpa David’s house. Our family friends were also able to come and the kids all enjoyed some play time together. The adults took turns carving while the kids were on a nature walk. The kids enjoyed watching the carving also and directed the themes and inspirations for the various pumpkins. We ended the evening with dinner and a costume fashion show. The kids loved showing off their costumes to each other. Elizabeth especially enjoyed watching the older girls and was very excited to participate.

Halloween day was pretty busy since it was a Sunday. We went to church where the kids led the worship service. Ben said a memory verse to open the service and then was able to pass communion with Brandon. He did a great job! After nap we headed to a Trunk of Treats event at an apartment complex. Several families from church opened their decorated trunks and passed out treats to the residents. Ben and Elizabeth enjoyed seeing all of the costumes and also dressed up for the occasion.

On the way home we splurged and got happy meals so we could have a quick and fun dinner before heading out to trick or treat. We went around a couple of blocks in our neighborhood and the kids really got into it. Ben quickly learned the “rules” that we were looking for houses with porch lights on and led the pack. Elizabeth was quickly behind him yelling “treat, treat!” to anyone that would listen. She did not want any tricks! Ben was feeling pretty confident after tackling several houses and bravely ringing the door bells, that decided he would tell one of our neighbors, “trick or treat, smell my feet!” We were all startled and when asked, Ben replied that he knew it was a really funny thing to say and he just wanted to make her laugh. He was so pleased with himself!

Ben was allowed to “stay up late” and help Dad hand out treats at our house after we finished our trick or treating tour. Elizabeth was still recovering from being sick and needed to get to bed, so the girls retired and the boys took over the door. Ben loved picking out which kid would get which treats and told everyone “Happy Halloween!” He really got into seeing all of the costumes and sharing treats with the other kids.

The kids have since been enjoying their treats and have discovered some new candies that they like. Elizabeth is a Smarties machine and Ben has enjoyed just about everything from Milk Duds to Skittles. They have good taste! :)

E’s First Haircut

The whole family met up at Mr. Will’s to get Ben’s millionth haircut and Elizabeth’s very first trim. Ben went first to show how much “fun” it was. The whole time we waited Elizabeth played, sat with Dad, watched Ben and generally had a great time. As soon as Ben got done and we said, “do you want to sit in the chair?” to Elizabeth, screaming commenced. We got her in the chair and Dad held her hands and talked to her the whole time while Mom tried to get a few pictures. Poor E was so mad that we were going through with the haircut, but Mr. Will persevered and did a great job. He is very quick and kind with the kiddos and going to Mr. Will is totally worth it to us to make haircuts a pleasant experience. Once Elizabeth was done, which was less than five minutes later, she seemed to think the whole ordeal was a lot better once she realized she got a sucker. Apparently that is her new thing since the flu shot and she immediately knew what it was and had it devoured pretty quickly. Maybe the promise of a sucker will help her second cut go better.

E’s Flu Shot and First Sucker

After a great morning at the pumpkin patch, it was time to get Little Miss E’s flu shot. We had told Ben about it, but that he wouldn’t have to get one (he had his at a previous appointment). He was very glad to be the helper and “talked” Elizabeth all the way through it.

Elizabeth knew as soon as she got in the room that only bad could come of this. She screamed for a bit and then got relief from her best friend “Sassy”. (We call her pacifier a “paci” and she has renamed the “paci” into “Sassy”.)

This whole time Ben had been eying the bucket of suckers. Finally Mom sheepishly asked the nurse if he could pick one out even though he didn’t get a shot. The nurse was more than happy to give him one. He searched and searched and then pulled out a red one. He then took it straight over to his sister and said “Elizabeth, you did a good job with your shot. You get a sucker!” It was too sweet. The nurse immediately got another one and gave him a sucker too and they both enjoyed their sticky treats all the way back home.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to Carmichael’s Pumpkin Patch with some friends last weekend. It was the first time that our kids had gone to the “real” pumpkin patch and they had a blast! There was a nice petting zoo area. Ben and Elizabeth both fed the animals with help from Mom and Dad. Most of the animals were in pens, but the birds were all out and about which encouraged Ellie to climb up Dad and Ben to chase them down to give them food. Apparently Elizabeth was the only one that got the memo that beaks are sharp. :)

After feeding the animals, Ben was very eager to do the corn maze. The dads took all of the kids in the maze and they had a great time. When chickens and turkeys started running out of the maze, the moms knew that the kids must not be too far behind!

Our friend was a “veteran” pony rider so she was eager to do that again. Ben had never been on an animal before, but eagerly agreed to go for a ride as well. Ben rode Blaze and his friend rode Cookie. They both enjoyed the time and Ben sported a funny grin as he tried to figure out the best way to hold on.

We finished up our time at Carmichael’s by climbing on and selecting our pumpkins. The little kids even enjoyed that part and took turns on top of and in the piles. We had a wonderful time!! We can’t wait to go again next year!

Ben’s Bounce U Birthday

Ben decided a couple of months ago that he would have a bouncing birthday party with dinosaur decorations and cake. He selected how the cake would be specifically decorated, all of his party favors and requested special decorations. Hopefully we came close to his “vision”. The kids seemed to have a great time and Ben was proud to share his cake and treats with everyone.

By the time it was all over Ben spent about a week and a half celebrating with various family and friends. It was very exciting for him to turn four and be a “big kid”.

His first birthday celebration included a guitar pinata!

Dino cake #1

Dino Cake #2

The Fair

Ben enjoyed his first trip to the State Fair with Mom and Dad. He toured the Children’s Building, Petting Zoo, Birthing Center and the midway. Ben had predicted that there would be elephants and dogs that you could buy. We are not sure who told him about the fair, but it was funny what his preconceptions were. Anyway, we started at the Children’s Building and they had lots of hands-on science experiments, an obstacle course and other stuff to do that he really loved. Then we went to the petting zoo and birthing center. We fed some goats and “petted” a sheep. The pig was too far away to pet, but we looked at him for a long time to see how muddy he was. We also saw kangaroos, emus and other “wild” animals. In the Birthing Center they had chicks hatching, newborn goats, sheep and pigs. It was a huge hit for Ben. He wanted to know all of their birthdays (each cage had a sign) and said he wanted to see each one and we couldn’t go around anyone to skip any of the cages. He liked seeing the pregnant mommies too that were waiting for their babies to come.

After that we headed for some rides. We did the Ferris wheel first and it was a big hit. Then we had some dinner and headed to find more rides. Ben saw the giant roller coaster and was ready to jump on it. We had to go buy more tickets for it and on our way saw a smaller roller coaster that he could ride by himself. He said he would like to try that instead and loved it. He waved each time he came around and smiled and laughed the whole way. He did a couple of other fun rides after that and then it was time to head home for bedtime. He stopped to get a balloon from the clown on the way out in the Children’s Building and was excited to show it off at home to Ellie.

Four Year Old Checkup

Ben is a growing boy! At his checkup last week he weighed in at about 40 pounds (79%) and was 42 ¼” tall (90%). He is now in a new amusement park ride category – ha ha! He got a great report at our visit and is right on track for a big four year old. The “bad news” of the visit was that it was time for booster shots. Ben had to get four of them (two in each leg). He was a trooper though and didn’t even cry. He was pretty sore afterward and had to walk “really really slow” and be carried up and down stairs. He also announced to his teacher that he couldn’t “play chase” on the playground for a couple of days. The best news is that there are no more scheduled shots until he is eleven.

Interview with a Four-Year-Old

Mom thought it would be fun to get some thoughts from our newly turned four year old. Here is the "interview".

What is your name?

Ben McCullough

How old are you?

4

What is your favorite color?

Red and blue and gold

What is your favorite toy?

Trains

What is your favorite TV show?

Phineas and Ferb (Mom wants to clarify that he does love this show, but the results of this interview were skewed because we had just finished watching an episode.)

What is your favorite food?

Strawberries

Who are your friends?

Kelsey

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Fireman

What is the best present you got?

Go Diego Go car set

Tell me how you celebrated your birthday.

I celebrated by having a dinosaur cake.

How tall are you now?

4! Is that “so big” Mom?

What can you do now that you are four?

I can do my shirt by myself. (Before the question was fully understood, Ben’s answer was that he now knew the meaning of the word “nocturnal” because he was four.)

What is your favorite part of school?

Playing outside with Kelsey.

Is there anything else you want to tell me about being four?

I like being four!

Race for the Cure 2010

The kids did great at Race for the Cure this year. There were lots of "prizes" aka giveaways at the tents that were exciting and Ben "won" the McCullough Family altered Fun Run route. You can't beat that! It was all due to his special bandana. He told us that fast people wore their bandanas like that and cool people wore there bandanas like that and that he was both!

E's 18 Month Checkup

When the kids were off of school and we were between vacations, we took Elizabeth to the doctor for her 18 month appointment. She is doing great and is now 21 lb 8 oz (11%) and 32.25” long (64%). Her percentages are staying right on track from previous appointments so she is continuing to grow well. The doctor said that she looks great and we will go back when she turns two! She did have to get one shot that day, so that wasn’t super fun, but she was a trooper.

Elizabeth has more words every day. She wants to “walk” everywhere herself and go “(out)’side” as often as we will let her. One of her favorite words is “cheese” whether smiling for a picture or asking for a snack. She is starting to name people more and often follows the name with mama sounds. So we have dada-mamamama, grandma-mamamama and grandpa-mamamama. Ben/Brother sounds mostly like Bubby or Bobby. Elizabeth enjoys all of her accessories always wanting to wear “hats”, “shoooes” and “socks” – probably so she can go “’side”.

She still firmly believes she is the princess in our house and at school. She doesn’t leave the teachers’ sides and often goes on errands with them to the school office the same way she follows Daddy around at home. At the same time, she is very independent and as her brother says “wants to do what she wants to do”.

She is still a great eater. She runs to her booster seat as soon as we get home from school ready for dinner. We check her care sheet to make sure she ate lunch and it normally says she ate double servings of everything – she is just hungry again! When you move that much, you must just need a lot of fuel! She eats a good variety too. She definitely out-eats her brother when it comes to vegetables.

She is quite the wonder and we are enjoying watching her soak in the world around her!

New Classes

After a fun week off, the kids both started in new classes at school on Monday. Ben is now in the Explorers class and Elizabeth is in ICD (the oldest “infant” class). Most of Ben’s friends moved with him so it is mainly new teachers and classroom to get used to. His new schedule is chock full of center time, group time, worksheets, and all sorts of learning and stimulation. It is also the first time that we have had school supplies – he even has his own scissors and three subject notebook now! He loves it and actually requested on the second day that Mom didn’t pick him up so early and let him stay longer. The Explorers are studying Hawaii this week and having a Welcome Luau on Friday. We are really excited about what fun is in store for him this year.

Elizabeth is in a room that has a loft play area, lots of dress up and a whole new level of toys to explore. There are also tables and chairs instead of the table with little jump seats, and there is no buggy that the class uses to get around. The kids are expected to hold onto a rope and follow the teacher. Watch out, ICD teachers – Elizabeth has a mind of her own! Her teachers are ones that she is already familiar with and she seems to be right at home. There are a few familiar faces, but lots of older kids to get to know. It should be a fun year!

Back to School night is next week and we will get to hear even more about the year ahead. They are both growing so fast – it is exciting to see the new opportunities they will have!

Ben's first day outfit - Wow!

Dallas

Thursday

We drove in and arrived around 1:30pm. The first stop was IKEA! Mom and Dad both had lists of items not to miss and the kids were really pretty tolerant of these plans. The kids’ area is so wonderful that they really didn’t want to leave in the end. Especially when we walked through the warehouse area to checkout and Ben was very concerned that we were somewhere we were not supposed to be!

It wasn’t quite dinner time so we stopped at the Allen Premium Outlets to hit Gymboree and Children’s Place. The kids spent most of the time outside “on a walk” with Dad while Mom tried to figure out what to buy for fall.

After that we headed to McKinney to the Swarts’ house. We met Maddox, and Ben and Elizabeth proceeded to terrorize Sarah and Dusty’s poor kitty for the rest of our stay. We decided to give the cat a break and went out to eat at Firehouse Subs. It was our first time and we all found something we enjoyed! We’ll have to go again now at home. We enjoyed visiting with Sarah and Dusty and stayed there that night.

Friday

We got up and got on our way to the Target and the donut store. Apparently we forgot diapers and also needed a little sugar to start our day. After we did our shopping, we headed to Fair Park to get a museum pass and start with the butterfly gardens at Texas Discovery Gardens. It was super hot and everyone was pretty drained by lunch. We refueled at Sonic and then headed back out to power through nap time and go to the Museum of Nature and Science. We could have spent a couple of days there! It was very kid friendly and had lots of interactive exhibits. Ben and Elizabeth got to dig for fossils in a sand area near the dinosaurs and played several games related to the other main exhibits. Then there was an entire area downstairs geared even more towards preschool aged kids that had a water play area, a music area, a fire truck area, a farm, a bug exhibit and lots more. The kids had a blast!

We went on to check into our hotel for the rest of our stay. We used points to stay at an Embassy Suites near the Galleria and it was so worth it! The extra space was wonderful and the kids enjoyed the fountain with live swans, the glass elevators and of course, the pool. The kids rested and then we swam. Ben jumped from the side of that pool probably over a hundred times. He would have gone more if poor Mom and Dad had let him. When we were cleaning up to eat, Elizabeth hit the corner of the cabinet really hard and got a giant goose egg. The gash wasn’t very deep so we just treated it with ice and proceeded on with dinner plans. She was a trooper after she got settled down.

There were yummy snacks at the hotel happy hour and then we headed to the Galleria for dinner. We decided to try the Grand Lux Café as it was recommended to us by the hotel staff as having a large variety on the menu and being family friendly. It was nicer than where we usually take the kids so we had a big talk about manners before going in. The kids were very eager and quickly decided what they would eat. They got wikki stix to play with instead of crayons and that was a huge hit. After dinner had arrived, Ben looked up and claimed that this was the most favorite part of the trip for him. Guess we need to eat out at nicer restaurants more often at home! They did a great job and then we enjoyed a short shopping trip and watched the ice skating at the mall.

Saturday

On Saturday we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then headed back out to the world of museums. We went to the Museum of the American Railroad and realized that it was nearly all outside as it consisted of actual railroad cars. It was a very hot tour of lots of engines and rail cars, but Ben enjoyed looking at them and climbing inside of some of them so it was worth it.

We headed to lunch at Blue Mesa Grill and it was so yummy! The kids got balloons and thought it was another fun meal. We headed back to the hotel for naps and swimming.

We went to the Galleria again for dinner since it was so entertaining the night before. Since we had enjoyed such a big lunch, we headed to the playground first before thinking about dinner. The kids enjoyed climbing around on all of the neat play equipment. We ate at Five Guys Burgers right off of the skating rink and the kids gobbled up their food while watching the skaters go by. We finished our outing with a random trip to Old Navy and then headed to the hotel for bedtime.

Sunday

We enjoyed another nice breakfast and got all packed up to head back home. We killed some time and stopped by The Container Store before lunchtime, and then hit the road to head back home after grabbing some McDonald’s. The kids did great on the actual trip, but when it came to the car, E was not her best. If you are considering inviting her on a road trip any time soon, please watch this clip first (sorry it is sideways!). She will grow out of it, but in the meantime – watch out!

Estes Park 2010

Travel Day #1 – Tulsa, OK to Colby, KS

Not much to report for this day. We were lucky enough to find a McDonald’s in a Walmart on the way to stop at for lunch and then got Village Inn for dinner that night in Colby. Besides viewing the windmills at Smoky Hills Wind Farm and our brief swim in the hotel pool (it was so cold!), those were the highlights of our first day.

Travel Day #2 – Colby, KS to Westminster, CO

This was a very short trip and allowed us to spend some time around the Denver area. We made a trip to the zoo and to REI before we checked into our hotel. The day was a little rough without regular naps so we were unable to enjoy the hotel pool and made it an early evening in.

Travel Day #3 – Westminster, CO to Estes Park, CO

This was also a very short travel day. We started with a quick swim before breakfast since we had lost privileges the day before. :) We headed to the Butterfly Pavilion after we checked out and then to lunch. We made the drive into the mountains and both kids successfully napped in the car at the same time! We checked into our room at the YMCA of the Rockies and started catching up with other friends that were arriving. When we had gotten E out of the car to check in, we noticed she was hot. So as our vacation began finally, poor Ellie had a fever of 103.

By the evening, Grandma Elaine, Grandpa Larry, Uncle Adam, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Dusty had all arrived. Everyone was excited to be together, and we met as a big group to get assigned to our “Amazing Race” teams for the week. Ben was thrilled about the thought of a week-long race and E went to bed early to try to get better.

Estes Park – Sunday

We were able to have a church service with our group in one of the chapels on the Y campus. Everyone did a nice job and enjoyed starting our time together this way. Mom taught the first bible class for the elementary age and Ben and Elizabeth had Grandma and Aunt Sarah to start off their first bible class.

That afternoon started the “Amazing Race” activities. Ben and Dad participated with their team in a series of challenges around the Y campus. Ben had a blast and his team even won that day!

Sunday night we got back together for another set of classes and singing. However, E’s fever wasn’t getting better, so Mom and Grandma ended up going to the ER to get a diagnosis and medicine since the local urgent care wasn’t open for another day. It was a good choice as she had a bulging ear drum and a sinus infection. The pharmacy in Estes Park had closed though, and Dad had to drive an hour to Loveland to get her meds.

Estes Park – Monday

The day started with our first devo and morning of “regular” classes. The kids were starting to warm up to everyone and E’s medicine was starting to kick in somewhat.

That afternoon we skipped the planned activity and took a drive up to Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park. It was really pretty and we were able to see snow and a few elk. Ben also spotted a waterfall really far away all on his own and was pretty proud. The drive did not sit well with Ben’s tummy though so we had to excuse ourselves from the square dance activity that evening.

Estes Park – Tuesday

The morning activities were similar to Monday. In the afternoon, there was Frisbee golf and craft time. We decided to let the kids sleep normally for nap time and caught part of craft time before sneaking into Estes Park to do some shopping. We got the kids t-shirts and enjoyed the downtown shops.

We got back in time for dinner and the campfire time. The kids enjoyed the singing, but they loved the s’mores even more! Both had marshmallow lips and were very pleased to enjoy such a special treat.

Estes Park – Wednesday

Wednesday was our last full day. Morning classes were the same and the afternoon started with Wacky Olympics. Ben got to participate some and we took a few water balloons for the road so he could play after nap rather than waiting for that event.

He had to get his rest because that night’s activity was Talent Show. Ben had decided the day before that he was going to be in the talent show. He would do “Funny Faces by Ben McCullough”. Mom was shocked that he wanted to stand up in front of everyone, but let him sign up. Ben was very excited and luckily the audience was all friends or family so they were great encouragers. He did about 5 or so funny faces and was very pleased with himself. Dad, Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Sarah sang and did a wonderful job. It was hard to get the kids to leave that night for bed.

Estes Park – Thursday and drive to Colby, KS

Thursday was time to pack up and head on our way. It was a long day that ended with a flat tire in Colby. Not our favorite memory of the trip!

Final Day! – Colby, KS to Tulsa, OK

We got on the road and had another long day ahead. The kids persevered and so did Mom and Dad for the most part. Ha ha! We were all glad to be home and get some much needed rest!

4th of July

We had talked about the 4th of July for probably a whole month before it came. Ben was very excited about the parade, fireworks, etc. Then it got to be the day before the school parade. Ben was not so sure he was eager to hear the drum line that was coming from a local high school to lead his parade. He persevered though and was able to crack a smile as he marched proudly. By the end of the parade he even danced a little and started to loosen up. Elizabeth performed as predicted. She wasn’t upset about the parade, but looked stunned and confused. Her hair was done up in a blue ribbon though and she looked so cute! Ben had wild hair too with colored hair spray and sparkles. After the parade, we went to buy fireworks. Ben agreed to some fountains and smoke balls. He actually calls them snoke balls! After church on the 4th we had a birthday party for one of Ben’s friends to attend. Ben was glad to see his friend, but extra glad to see her dogs. He loved petting them and playing chase. The kids are definitely not exposed to animals very often. Ha ha! After the fun party we headed to Olive for a cookout with Mom’s family. The kids got to see even more animals and both seemed to enjoy them from the appropriate distance. Elizabeth loved the horses until they walked closer. :) Both kids enjoyed the fireworks that we had purchased and we even got to see some larger fireworks during our car ride home after the fun at Aunt Terry and Uncle John’s. When we arrived home, it was a different story. E was pretty easy to go to sleep, but there were lots of fireworks being shot in our neighborhood. Ben got out his ear plugs and sat in the living room to watch TV. He even requested to go take cover in the bathtub, but he was reassured that it was just as quiet and safe to enjoy the TV. He finally settled down as the fireworks slowed around 10 or so and made it clear that he only enjoyed the quiet ones and he would not like to hear any fireworks on the next 4th of July. He did request an extra bag of snoke balls for next year though.

June Happenings

The kids have packed lots in so far this summer. June was a busy month! Both kids did swim lessons twice a week all month. Elizabeth was in the pool with Dad. She liked it mostly, but wasn’t too keen on being on her back or “swimming” to the instructor. Picture day went so poorly that they didn’t even bother to print hers. Ben was in the pool solo for the first time. He loved Miss Jessica and really loved giving us thumbs up (where he often confuses his index fingers and it looks like he is claiming to be #1) through the viewing window. He worked hard on his “rowers” and “kickers”. He jumped in some and put his face in some, but those were his biggest struggles. He did not like the way his eyes felt under water!

We went to some fun events around town this month. Tulsa Tough started the month. We watched our friend, Jeremy, race Friday night in the Blue Dome Criterium - Cat I/II Race. The kids loved seeing the racers whoosh by us and we cheered loud for Mr. Jeremy (who according to Ben tied for first place). We also went to Taste of Summer at the Blue Bell ice cream factory in Broken Arrow on the last weekend of the month with Grandpa David. They had all you could eat ice cream in so many flavors, lots of crafts and activities for the kids, bounce courses and houses and live music. We also took a tour of their facility while we were there. Elizabeth was most interested in sharing ice cream with Daddy and Ben enjoyed the tour (because it felt cold in the air conditioning) and milking the pretend cow and the bouncy obstacle course.

They have spent a lot of time at splash parks, doing water play at school and playing in the pool. Our neighborhood pool has a shallow end where Ben can touch and he really likes that. There is also a much smaller wading pool that Ellie can splash in easily. Both kids are loving the water and stay in as long as we let them. Ben also heard a commercial for Big Splash on the radio recently and wondered what that must be like if he thought the other splash parks were big – it must be giant. Mom’s plan is to hold off on that venture as long as possible!

We’ve also squeezed in some fun play dates. Some of our special family friends have recently moved back from out of state and the kids have already gotten together for lunch. We also met up with some wonderful church friends for playing and pizza. The big brothers and little sisters are exactly the same ages, so they really enjoy playing together. Ben and Elizabeth also had their regular play dates with Grandma Lyn and Grandpa David. Elizabeth has started her own play date with them once a week and Ben still enjoys his special time. The kids had a special sleep over play date with Grandma Elaine and Grandpa Larry. Mom and Dad went out of town for the weekend and the kids had a great time playing, picnicking and hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa.

July is nearly here and we are looking forward to an equally busy and fun month. We have a few birthday parties to attend, a family vacation to Colorado, Fourth of July parades and parties and lots more.

Conversations with Ben

Ben (first thing out of his mouth when he woke up): You were in my dream last night, Mom.

Mom: Was it a fun dream? What did we do?

Ben: It was right here (pointing to his neck).

Mom: Your dream was in your neck?

Ben: Yes, that is where you were last night.

Holly Dolly Take #1

Ben (first thing out of his mouth when he woke up): Mom, can we go to Holly Dolly to get strawberries today?

Mom: Do you mean Hobby Lobby?

Ben: No, I mean Holly Dolly.

Mom: Where is Holly Dolly? I don’t know that place.

Ben: I don’t know.

Mom: Did you dream about strawberries last night?

Ben: Yes! We went to a place called Holly Dolly to get them. Can we go and get more today?

Holly Dolly Take #2 (over a month later)

Ben: Mom, I want a Holly Dolly.

Mom (remembering the previous conversation and now confused): You want one? What exactly is a Holly Dolly?

Ben: It is a toy for girls.

Mom: What does it look like?

Ben: It is a person with pants that have straps and buttons.

Mom: Overalls?

Ben: Yes!

Mom: Who has a Holly Dolly?

Ben: No one.

Mom: Well, where did you see this?

Ben: It is on Wubbzy (http://www.nickjr.com/wow-wow-wubbzy/)

Sure enough in Season 1, Episode 12 – Widget wants a Hammering Holly Dolly and Wubbzy cannot afford it so he makes her a doll instead. Maybe we can get away with making a “Holly Dolly” . . .

Ellie Bellie: These are a few of my favorite things. . .

1. Sliding! I love to slide on any slide I can find at home, school or church.

2. Eating! I have a huge appetite and if I am not strapped in my booster seat for a meal, I am requesting a snack.

3. I still love to stir my tea and “taste” the pretend drinks I have made.

4. Brother’s cars (or really anything of his) – I now have my very own Hotwheels as Ben bought me one at the store so I wouldn’t go after his anymore. It is blue and very fast!

5. Going places – I love to get my shoes on to go to the store, for a walk, to school . . . anywhere you will take me!

6. Reading – I have been asking for books all the time and love to climb into Mom or Dad’s lap after dinner for story time.

7. Growling (or whatever bizarre animal noise it is that I make for every animal) – I love to “talk” to animals on TV, in my books, in real life, my stuffed animals, etc. It sounds like a mix between a hiss, a growl and some guttural noise from another language. I have finally added “Mmm” to my repertoire for cows and “Kack” for ducks.

8. Mirror time – I still enjoy looking in the mirror and brushing my hair. I am a girly girl!

9. Hiding – I have learned well from Brother and love to run behind the couch to hide or wherever I can fit. I giggle so hard when someone finds me!

10. Talking on the phone – it starts at an early age – I love my play phone and the real phone and Mommy’s cell phone. I have long conversations on them and will talk to anyone that calls.