THE HAYS FAMILY

I'm actually in shock of my lack of posting but life is busy and we've all been sick. What can I say?
One day I really will be better at this, right? Yeah, I'm certain. One day.

Well, my number TWO turned TWO over 2 months ago now. He is my tractor loving, spoiled rotten, mischievous, sweet sweet Ben. I love him so very much. He keeps life fun and gray in my hair. He really is one of a kind. He's the reason they make safety features. He loves to plug in electrical things, write on my couch with a Sharpie, eat play doh and crayons, stick raisins up his nose, climb on counters and stairs, and chew through a peanut butter Snickers he found in a Halloween bucket (when he is allergic to peanuts). He really likes to cause his momma stress. Lots of it.

He love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, tractors, horses, chickens, candy and his big brother. There isn't a dull moment when he is around- I can promise that. He knows his colors, can count to 14 and can sing his ABC's. He is just like his brother in that he loves to read and doesn't forget a thing. He can carry on a conversation more like a 3 year old. He's amazing. He brings a light into my world that I never knew I was missing. He wears me out daily but I wouldn't trade my Benny for anything in this world!

Thank you Lord for this precious blonde haired boy of mine!

Summer is over and I haven't blogged at all. It's been kind of nice having no real schedule, going to the pool when we felt like it, and playing outside all day. But, now school is back in session. REAL school this time…no preschool anymore. I debated long and hard about homeschool, but decided the best thing for our family, for the moment, is public school. I'm thankful, oh so thankful, for our wonderful school system. There isn't even a need in our area for a private school! So far, it has been the best decision. He has learned so much and loves it. His teacher is great and I have no complaints so far. I thought I would have loads of time with Bishop gone all day, but really, Ben and the never-ending housework keeps me plenty busy. Ben is very needy and spoiled rotten but gosh I love him so! He really brings so much joy to my day. I'm loving getting to spend some one on one time with him. And, by the time we go pick Bishop up, they are ready to see each other and play all afternoon.

We didn't end up going on a real vacation this year and I'm a little sad about it but sometimes things happen that we just can't help…like 2 surgeries, a totaled car, a broken arm, etc. We've had plenty of time together as a family and that is truly what matters. And, it is just not worth working full time to me. I'd trade the beach for time with my boys any day. Well, MOST days :)

A few highlights from summer….

Ben's surgery. He did so good!

Baking cookies

Meeting sweet baby Ace…they were in love with him.

Mothers day at the lake

Making cookies again

Zoo trip

Bishop's tball team

Trip to Altanta for our anniversary. We took Bishop to the aquarium, downtown Atlanta, a Braves game and Legoland. It was a fabulous weekend with him. We did miss Ben, but he never would have lasted for the ballgame.

Learning to ride his bike

They both took swimming lessons. Ben pretty much cried the whole time. He loves to swim but he likes his momma to be with him…at all times! He did love the cheetos and suckers after.