Wow! Almost 2 years old! It's really hard to believe. Ben is now very clearly expressing himself now - he's good at responding yes or no when we ask him a question and is even practicing a few yes please's and thank you's. He's getting better at counting and saying his ABCs. His speech improves every day. He makes a funny mumbling sound when he's trying to remember a word now - Craig and I hang on in anticipation of what he's going to say :). I've forgotten to mention that one of Ben's favorite things to play with for the past few months is umbrellas - he's obsessed with them for whatever reason. He also loves balloons, bubbles, trains, and suitcases.
This month we visited Disneyland and California Adventure, so we have lots of pictures to share. We set our expectations low since it's difficult to predict how a 1 year old will react to a theme park. Ben had so much fun and it ended up being a very relaxing trip for the three of us. His favorite rides were the Mark Twain Riverboat, Casey Junior Train Ride and the Storybook Land Canal Ride, although he was scared to go through the whale's mouth at the beginning of the canal ride :). He didn't like anything that was fast or dark (Peter Pan's Flight, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, and Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters).
First trip to Disney! Ben loved it, but I think Craig and I loved it more :)Our first ride of the trip - Mark Twain Riverboat. Ben was most excited about all of the ducks in the water.Sharing their first Dole Whip. It's gluten free so Craig had a few :)He was not having the Chipmunks anywhere near him. Same went for Pluto.Ben's favorite character was Minnie Mouse. He actually gave her a hug <3Family picture with Minnie. Poor Ben was all done with the character breakfast by this point.Mater's Tractor Ride. Ben was not a fan while on it, but enjoyed talking about the trucks after it was over.Borrowing Ben's Mickey ears.Heading to Mickey's Fun Wheel in California Adventure.
Despite the look on his face, Ben actually enjoyed the ferris wheel.He appear to not be afraid of heights. I feel conflicted about this.
One of Ben's favorite parts of California Adventure. We had to visit this one a few times :)Storybook Land Canal Ride. Pretty sure he actually thought he was being eaten by a whale :(. It enjoyed the rest of the ride, though.Waiting for dinner at the Blue Bayou. YUM.
Ben's favorite water feature (actually outside of the park)We spent quite a bit of time here, too :)
Dinner at Tortilla Joe'sDinner at Tortilla Joe's
Obligatory Mickey Mouse ears :)He played with these leaves for a few days. Why do we even bother to buy toys???Visiting the Superstition Mountains Museum.Lunch with momma at the Pangaea Cafe in Scottsdale. He LOVED all the dinosaurs (especially the pterodactyl that looks like it's about to eat him).Ben's very proud of the family art :)Playing with a truck that belonged to his Grandpa Jim.
Eats just like his momma. OM NOM!Mmmmmmm, spumoni.
Ben trying to play Mary Had a Little Lamb.
Finally got him to get close to the orangutan at the zoo. He was understandably skeptical the first time he saw this guy :)Mr. Orangutan is now a friend :)
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