Happy 7th Birthday, Ben!

Ben turned 7 years old today!  Since his birthday is always close to Thanksgiving, we started the celebration a little early and had a birthday cake after turkey and stuffing.

To Ben's surprise, everyone pitched in and he got a Lego Mindstorm, which he was totally not expecting and initially didn't seem all that excited about... but later he said he didn't want to appear boastful in getting something no one else has... so apparently he tempered his excitement until we got home and he put together his first robot.  Now, it's all he talks about and he says, "I just LOVE it!"

Ben had a very eclectic birthday breakfast... crispy bacon, hashbrown, mandarin oranges, a (gasp) root beer float and it's not a celebration without layered finger Jell-o!

Ben wanted to go to Zoo Lights and though it was a bit chilly, we were well prepared with scarves and gloves and we had fun seeing all of the lights!

We even got to have a visit with Santa at the zoo.  Kara was the only one who had ever talked with Santa and that was back when she was just three years old.  Ben said he didn't really need to talk to Santa because there is nothing else he really needs.  Aww.... I wonder how long that will last.

As promised, Ben got to have In-N-Out on the way home from the zoo.  The simple pleasures of a 7 year old...

I told Ben that he is growing up so fast and he replied, "I know.  I wish I could shrink so I could stay little."  He's a wise one, our little Ben.

Mommy's Work Event

Every so often I have to drive down to Los Angeles for work.  Kara has often asked if she can come with me to my "work event."  Most of the time, it doesn't work out, but this weekend worked our perfectly.

We started the morning by going to Krispy Kreme, where Kara was fascinated, as everyone is, by the process of their donut making.  We stood there and just watched those donuts float through the oil and make their way through the wall of icing...

And then to find that Krispy Kreme and Coffee Bean were under the same roof... it was perfection!

Since moving to central California, our love for Coffee Bean has grown exponentially.  If I'm ever in southern California, I feel it is my duty to find a Coffee Bean.  And then take a photo of my Coffee Bean.  Simple pleasures...

I realize that Kara has been coming to my work events for more years than she can remember...

Thanks to Kathleen, Kara was part of the team with her custom-blinged Donate Life shirt and name tag.  She was such a great helper and a really good sport.  I must admit, it was really fun to have her there.

On the way home, we talked about a lot of things, one of them being the people she met today - the recipients who are so grateful and the families who have lost someone they love.  We talked about gratitude and how it's important to be grateful for what you have... especially the things we sometimes take for granted.

After a long day and with a long car ride, I'm not surprised she fell asleep on the way home.

The moment I spotted her sleeping, it reminded me of her first work event with me...

I was reminded today how much Kara has grown during my time at OneLegacy and how lucky I am to do something I love and to be able to share that with her. 

Suckers for Star Wars...

With the new Star Wars movie coming out, I knew this was going to be a rough year... but I figured that would be in the toy department.  Who knew that there would be Star Wars everywhere you look!

Though we usually only have one type of creamer in the refrigerator, I was pretty easily talked into trying a new flavor.

And when we were strolling down the baking aisle at the grocery store, it was impossible to pass up the Star Wars molds for JELL-O!

And while at Home Depot, where we went just to get a key ring for a project, we happened to see the Darth Vader key and justified getting it because really, who doesn't need an extra house key?

Ben has already asked how old he needs to be to have his own key to the house... and when you see that little toothless smile, it's hard to turn him down!

No surprisies this Halloween...

There was no question... we knew it was going to be a Star Wars year for our kids.  They all love Star Wars and know everything about all of the stories and characters, so there was no discussion, no changing of costume ideas.  Done deal.

Ben loves all things Darth Vader, which is ironic because of all three, he seems to have the sweetest heart.  But look at those eyes.... there is still sweetness behind the mask!

Again, it was a no-brainer that Kara would (and would want to be) Princess Leia.  And with her long hair, she didn't even need the wig to pull it off.

Though Jason had a different costume ready to go, he tried on Ben's costume from last year and decided he would dress up as a clone trooper, not to be confused with a storm trooper, Mommy!

Since Target made it way too easy this year, Sho and I even decided we'd join in the family fun.  

May the force be with you!