The Ladies Man

A few days ago the kids needed haircuts, and I had been delinquent in getting them to the barber, which has been known to happen on occasion. In the morning we had a playdate with Asher, his mom, and his baby sister Liesl. They had been away in the US for about six weeks, and during that time Asher had steadfastly refused to get a haircut. So Julie (his mom) and I decided to have another play date that afternoon, this time at the playground right outside the barber shop. The hope was that the kids would be good influences on each other, particularly Ellie, who really likes haircuts.

A few hours later we met up at the barber shop. Asher, to my surprise, was convinced simply by Ben and Ellie's willingness, and was already in the chair when we got there. His big sister Morgan had also come along. Now Morgan is seventeen, and frequently babysits for the kids. We are trying to think of ways to make it so she doesn't go off to college this summer and instead stays here so the embassy continues to have her babysitting services.

Anyway, Asher was soon finished, and Ben decided to be difficult and refused to get into the chair. Ellie said she'd go next, so Ben calmed down a bit. Enough to notice that Morgan was sitting in a comfy chair in the waiting area, and that there was an equally comfy chair next to hers just waiting for him. He wandered over, scrambled up into the chair, crossed his legs, and leaned on the arm of the chair closest to her. They then proceeded to chat. His new owie (which was the nominal cause of the struggle) was forgotten. They chatted until Ellie was done. I then went over to ask Ben if he was ready for his haircut. He looked at Morgan, who smiled and told him he'd look much better with a haircut. That was all he needed. He hopped out of the chair and climbed up into the barber chair.

So far, except for a notable age difference, I think I approve of his choice of girlfriends. I'm not sure how comfortable I am leaving them alone together now, although I suspect that Ellie would be happy to tell all...

Big Ben Turns Four

Well, I've once again been neglecting you all. Ben did indeed turn four on the 8th, and I am nearly two weeks late getting photos up. This is not because we didn't celebrate (we did), or because we've been away (we haven't). I've just been home with the kids every day, since this is summer vacation, and finding time when they are quite and I'm not sleeping is difficult.

Enough with the excuses. Here we go. Ben decided that he wanted a family-only party this year, for reasons that aren't entirely apparent to us. I guess he didn't like the idea of yet another party, or something. He really is a social little guy, but perhaps he was just feeling overwhelmed by all the parties we've been having recently.

We started with decorating the star-shaped cupcakes that he requested.
If it looks like there are more sprinkles on there than frosting, it isn't just you.

We then ate a delicious dinner, consisting of dino macaroni and cheese,
hot dogs, ketchup, raw veggies, and kid champagne.

Here is the only slightly overloaded cupcake, waiting for the big blowing out.

Finally, we had the big opening of presents, including the trying on of
shin guards and setting up of games. Perhaps not the most exciting of
parties, but he told us it was fun, so I guess that's the important thing.