Celebrating Eight

It is so hard to believe, but our sweet Ben has already turned eight years old!  He started his big day with a few presents first thing.  The little office supply junkie was excited to get his own label maker, or "hand-held printer" if you ask him.

 

 Next, he was headlong into the big set of snap circuits (with a little help from Casey and Alex).

The boys rigged up their own creation with two fans!

The birthday boy got to share cookies with his class at school, then welcome Daddy home from his business trip and open a few more gifts.  The build-your-own robot kit was a big hit.

Ben got a ripstick and got some lessons on how to use it.  He said, "I never would have expected that."  I think that's his polite way of saying "that's not what I wanted" but he's already doing pretty well on it.

That evening, we took him to Smashburger at his request and went to what would be his final game with the Astros.  The boys lost in their semi-final game but took third place out of 10 teams, so the boys were proud of their season.

Because of baseball season and the unpredictable playoffs, the party had to wait until Saturday, but Ben got to spend time with all his grandparents before the party and open more gifts.  He and Grumpy dug right into the newest snap circuits add-ons and built their own FM radio.

Then we were off to Frozen Ropes, a baseball facility where Ben got his hitting lessons, for some dodgeball fun.  Ben and 21 of his friends got to throw balls at their parents and we got to throw balls back!  I wish I'd taken more pictures but it was too much fun playing and I didn't want to miss any of the action.

 

Then it was time for pizza and cake.

We kept up the baseball theme with his cake, too.

 Everyone sang happy birthday to our very happy 8-year old and he loved every minute of it!

Words cannot express how much we love this little guy or how thankful we are that God entrusted us with him.  Happy, happy birthday, Ben, and we hope 8 is a wonderful year for you!