Ben's 2nd Birthday Party

It's been almost six weeks since Ben's birthday party, so I'd better post these pictures before I get lost in Christmas and forget to do it.  

Ben's party was at Gymboree Play & Music.  It was perfect for a little guy his age.

There was lots of stuff to climb and jump on and lots of singing and other noise.

The party had a slight train theme to it, so they pretended to build railroad tracks, ride a train, load the train with coal, etc.

Ben's favorite was building the tracks, until they stopped the music to say Happy Birthday, Ben.  He definitely did not like the attention.

Of course we had to get a Thomas cake!

Benny with his cake

Mississippi Children's Museum

Our last stop was to visit with Lulu in Jackson and see the new children's museum.  Oh, my my!  The Mississippi Children's Museum puts the one in Dallas to shame!  It was amazing and huge.  We spent three hours there and maybe did half of it.  And some of the stuff we just barely spent any time on. The boys were so excited they were practically vibrating.  Overstimulated is an understatement.

Ben is still too small to make it up the climbing equipment in the play areas, but that doesn't stop him ...

He just brings his Mommy along.  He wore me out!

Legos are awesome!

Build some cars, race them, and see which one wins.  They had a similar exhibit in the water section where you build your own boat and race it down the river.

One of the displays from the MS Delta area.  Of course it has catfish!

The water area was definitely one of our favorites.

Look close at the stream in the background ... where you can go fishing for catfish!

A close second easily goes to Stomach Theater.  You start by climbing up the tongue, into the mouth, down the throat, into the stomach ...

Do you see where this is going?

After you exit the intestines and enter the colon, you are treated to the most realistic farting noises ... a five year old boy's dream attraction!  You end up in the "toilet" with a big flush!  

To quote Ben, "Fart, butt, fart, butt, butt, butt, fart, butt."  His teachers are not going to be so thrilled at what he learned on his vacation!

Indianola

Our first stop for Thanksgiving was a quick trip to Indianola.  It was a very quick visit, but I can't imagine going to MS without seeing Nanner and Dorsey.

You sometimes get some cute pics from test shots while setting the exposure.

Or some funny ones!

Chris is the barista at Casa de Conner and he did not get a vacation from that role at Pop's house. We have a 10 cup Bunn Velocity Brew at home (doesn't the name just say it all), and we buy coffee at Costco.  We usually go through three or four pots of coffee per day.  Pop's has a Keurig, so Chris was cranking out cups of coffee one at a time.  I LOVE Keurig coffee, but that would be an expensive habit at our house for sure!

Over at Nanner's house, Ben couldn't wait to get out his toys.

Sam got a new Ninjago Lego set and couldn't wait to build it.  I think we all secretly wanted to build it ourselves.  Legos are awesome!

Ben wasn't scared of the skeleton Legos until Lulu said they were going to get him.  Instantly scary!

The only picture we got with Pops, so it's going on the blog!

Mmmm ... spaghetti and meatballs!

Cutie pie!

Looking at family photos

Sam reading to Lulu.  He's reading so well now!

Nanner listening to Sam read.

Picking up pecans.  Nanner used to pay us $5 per bucket if we picked them up out of her yard when we were little.

Sam wanted to get them off the tree, but green pecans are not as easy.

Chris and I took a walk after lunch and ended up at the cemetery.  We visited my Mamaw and Papaw's grave.  Thanksgiving always makes me think of Mamaw and Papaw (Dorsey's mom and dad).  I was one of 25 great-grandchildren. We used to have family reunions at Bill and Suzanne's house (my cousin's who lived across the street from us) for Thanksgiving, and Mamaw always played the piano. It puts a big smile on my face just thinking about it now. 

Another morning at Pop's house.

On the way from Indianola to Yiayia and Papou's house, we stopped at McDonald's for lunch.  Ben refused to eat.  I wouldn't let him have his cookie until he ate his chicken nuggets.  We were back on the road for a while before he finally gave in and ate the nuggets.  When he finally got his chocolate chip cookie, he took a few bites and promptly fell asleep.  Enlarge the picture and you can see the chocolate on his face and the broken cookie in his lap and hand.  Have I mentioned how much fun two year olds are on long drives?