Ben graduates

Who would have ever thought this day would arrive? But it did. And it was a joyous occasion! On 22 April 2008, Ben walked across the stage and received his diplomas - education and international studies. The great thing was, he was able to do it with his friends right beside him and his wife and son cheering him on from the audience.

Ben was dying to throw his hat!

And Kai was dying to try it on. Our future grad!

(Wonder how much that is going to cost us?)

This was the best we could do to get a smile out of Kai. The little guy was tired and hungry. (and probably a bit bored, but don't tell his daddy that)

The familia . . .

My sick boys

I always like pictures of Kai in our bed. I don't know why, but I think he looks so small and cute in our bed. Ben had two weeks off for school holidays and ended up sick. So you guessed it, I got sick and then little Kai got sick. I have to wonder about Ben's timing though, rather convenient if you ask me. I had a whole list of things to be done during this time period. Oh well, at least it was crap weather for the entire two weeks, so I didn't feel like we were missing out on too much.

Ben and Kai Got Talent????

Ben was asked by his former uni professor if he and Kai would pose for her art class. So they did, and I was impressed by the students' work. Kai was fabulous too. He sat still for over 40 minutes. He is a talented little bugger. And have I mentioned, a cute one too? our little star

this one was my favourite

And a nice family photo to end the day.

Hello Mr. Walters

Finally, I have taken a picture of Mr. Walter's classroom. I have been really wanting a photo of it, but everytime I have been there, there have been kids in the class. And there is some rule that says teachers are not allowed to take pictures of students. I know it's for the children's safety, but geese . . .it's a shame the world has gotten to this point where a teacher can't even take pictures of his class for memory sake. Oh well . . . so here's his office. . . studentless.

Ben at his desk

His classroom

The Fam, together, in the office.

My little laundry helper

I completely agree with Kai - I hate folding laundry. But the cool thing about this day was that I sat Kai up against the blue pillow and he started pulling himself up off the pillow and rolling down the right side. Man this little guy does not want to slow down - he just wants to grow too quickly.

Learning more about his hands

Another shot of Kai using his new found hands to grab at things. It really is neat to see this little tyke grow!

The Road

So I just finished this book, The Road, today. It took me about 6 hrs total to read. What an amazingly thought provoking book. As sad as the storyline is, it was really difficult for me to put the book down. The book has made me reflect on the importance of relationships, family, humanity, love, faith, hope and of course food storage. I am glad I read this book after having little Kai. I think it helped me understand the above themes better. It's an 'easy' read and I highly recommend it.

A side note, I saw Oprah's interview with the author, and apparently he was inspired to write this story as he gazed out of his hotel room looking out over the city of El Paso. I know. Glad to know my home town inspires people to think about the end of the world. Apparently, Hollywood is making a movie this year based on this book. That will be interesting and confronting

Kai hangs out with the big boys!

Kai had fun this past weekend hanging out with the big boys. The BIG one is Tim and the littler Big one is Jack. Jack was very keen to talk with Kai. He kept asking him, 'Are you cute?' I thought Jack was cute for asking.

What are these?

Little Kai is discovering his hands. He has always sucked on his fist, so I think on one level he always knew his hands were there. But now he is really looking and studying his hands as if to say - what in the world are these and what do I do with them. He has already started experimenting with them by grabbing at objects, he especially likes my hair. Gosh, I am sure every mom goes through this, but I am really loving watching this little guy grow. He does new things every day!

Kai's new game

It's hard to believe how fast these little ones grow. We are always delighted by Kai's new discoveries or accomplishments. This game is one Kai loves to play with his daddy. Daddy puts him at the top of his chest and he slides down. Boy does this make Kai giggle.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

All Grandma wanted for her birthday was a picture of Kai with his wrist and feet rattles holding a big heart saying happy birthday. But momma went crazy and made a day of it. Momma became a photographer. Poor Kai - his photo shoot consisted of wardrobe changes, set changes, mood lighting, props - the works. For the most part he enjoyed it. Happy Birthday Grandma! Now you have several photos you can choose from.

Poor Kai - he lost his patience with his mommy. He was tired of posing. But gosh - he is even cute when he cries (which isn't often).

The photo shoot commenced again after Kai's nap. Man - I love that smile and now that it comes with a real giggle - it's simply irresitable.

I never thought you could love a little squirt so much! He really is a blessing from heaven.