Star Wars and Spies

Are we already to the age of goofy-faced photos?



Theme of the night



A number candle -- pretty exciting.

Daddy can't resist trying out the spy goggles

Bennett Andrew hit the big numero seis a few weeks ago, and we had a small family party to celebrate.  He's taken an interest in all things Star Wars the past few months, a testament to the power of marketing and peer influence, since he hadn't seen any of the movies.  Despite Stephen's vehement vow to never buy our kids toys again--due to their habit of losing, breaking and leaving them out--what's a birthday without at least a few fun gifts? 

Speaking of Mr. B, let me tell you what he's been up to lately:

1. Growing like a weed.  I can't keep up with his feet and legs, so don't be surprised if you see him wearing floods or holey-toed shoes.

2. Rocking the soccer field.  Boy, does that kid love to play.  He's made some fun friends on his soccer team and learned a lot about ball control and game strategy this season.  I get exhausted just watching him play as he defends the goal, covers the midfield, and tries to score goals or help somebody else score a goal on offense.  Talk about a workout.   

3. Reading like a pro.  I'm amazed at how well he can read and how quickly he seems to have figured it all out.  Feels like overnight.  I've always been a sucker for reading books, but having my own kid read to me even better.  Love it.

4. Struggling with Primary.  It's so funny because Benito is all about the rules at school.  We get glowing reports of his behavior, he frequently comes home with stickers or toys or other rewards for obeying, and he tends to hang back and be a little shy.  Then comes Sunday.  Gone is listening, gone is  sitting still, gone is following the rules, and gone is being quiet or shy.  Granted, his primary class is full of long-time friends, friends that don't see each other as often as they used to, so when they do see each other they want to talk and play.  It's like "Cheers" or something, a bunch of old guys hanging out at the bar.  B is a bit of leader, too, for good and more often bad in Primary, I'm afraid, something that definitely disappoints both me and Stephen.  We know he knows how he should act.  He chooses otherwise. 

5. Taking after his daddy.  Bennett loves watching sports with Stephen.  He can identify the different college football teams by their colors or mascot, he always roots for the winning team, and he likes telling us all about a great pass or touchdown that we missed.  It doesn't matter the sport, either.  If it's a competition he'll watch it, just like his dad.