What are these guys with bowties doing here?

For Ben's birthday this year I hired a barbershop quartet to serenade him. It was hilarious. I had arranged it with his co-workers ahead of time, and they let the quartet and me inside the building. I snuck around the back of the aisle and one of Ben's coworkers walked around the other end of the aisle and told him that there were some people there to see him. I popped out after I heard her say that and although I didn't see his face at first.......I did see his ears..........and they turned beat red. It was adorable! Then he turned around with a huge grin. They sang a total of 3 songs, and did a wonderful job! We finished his birthday up with dinner, gifts, and one of his best friends came over to hang out. I can't believe he is 27! I have known this guy since we were in Jr. High!!

The 4th

We had a wonderful 4th of July, right here at home. Usually we go to my grandparents house and join the rest of the family for a cookout, swimming, and a firework show. But this year my grandparents took a much needed long vacation..........and left everyone to make their own 4th of July plans. So we cooked out and had one of Ben's best friends over for our own "mini" firework show. If you are wondering why Benjamin is in the stroller........well..........you must not be acquainted with him. He had to be in there for his own safety. Buckled in and all.

Sink or Float?

With all these boys around the house, things are never dull. And today has been no exception. Little Mr. Benjamin, has so far, proven himself to be the outlaw of the bunch. He is adorable yet very mischievous. Tyler has become the audience in Benjamin's comedic routines around the house. Which I keep insisting is only encouraging the bad behavior. Benjamin loves water, or as he calls it "watty." And ,unfortunately enough for us, he not only loves water, but he loves to put anything and everything in water. This house has become a segment of David Letterman style "Will it Sink or Float?" I just need the cheesy jingle playing in the background. Today Benjamin decided to give my cell phone a bath in Gandolf's (our cat) water bowl. Ben's phone had a bath of it's own about a month ago, and after drying out for 24 hours you can hardly tell. (notice I say hardly)

In other eventful news Grady is smiling and cooing often now. Which is such a blessing! I needed some validation people! Even though we are supposed to be the smarter, independent, confident parents..........we still need that little smile to let us know we are doing a good job. And since these little people can only express themselves when they are unhappy........one really starts to question how good of a job they are doing. The other boys smiled early on, and often. Grady is the curve ball. I am quite sure I did everything but stand on my head and juggle to make this little beautiful baby smile...........and after all the hard work........ (Ben says it has nothing to do with my hard work, but just when nature was ready. I refuse to believe that after the countless hours I have stood over him "trying" to bring a smile to his face) anyways...........he smiles now! And it is so sweet!

Tyler's two front teeth are loose. He has been asking for us to tie a string to them and then to the truck. He believes this will help the progress and he will be getting money from the tooth fairy in a timely fashion. I am confident we won't be tying him to the truck to pull it out. I haven't told him that yet though. ;)

Ben and I have been working out at the gym. Other than walking around like an elderly woman from taking the butts and guts class...............it has been nice to spend time with Ben working out. He of course has yet to be sore, has lost a few pounds, and tries to push himself every time we go. uhhggggg! Me.............well..................just going is a victory in itself.