eSpecially Ben

My sister has three kids too - two boys and one girl. Our kids are all basically the same age, ranging from 7 to 3. We both make an effort to get the cousins together as often as we can throughout the year. With a 12 hour drive or expensive plane tickets keeping us apart, it is hard to do, but we manage it about three times a year. It is worth the money, time and extra work - these kids love spending time together. It is like the months since they last saw each other disappear. They play, play and play. We really have to do little to intervene - they include everyone and share the toys most of the time. And it helps that they all enjoy boxing, wrestling and Star Wars!

For the past three years, Ben has been in Mrs. H's classroom. This year he says good bye to her because his school is closing and both are going their separate ways. I am not sure what Ben understands about the change that will occur next year, but I sure do. Even now as I write this, I have tears in my eyes. Mrs. H cares about every one of her students, but has the uncanny ability to make your child feel like the most important one in the classroom. If ever there was a teacher meant to do what she does, it is Mrs. Hoard. She uses firm discipline combined with a great understanding of the best methods to teach children and then infuses the system with love. We will miss her, but she's already agreed to attend Ben's birthday party in July. This year, though, we will be prepared for Ben's reaction. Last year, he literally gave her a hug that lasted a full 5 minutes and pretty much kncked her to the ground with excitement. If that's not telling of a good teacher, I ...

All from one evening with Ben. Now couldn't you see this as an exciting reality TV show? 

Wordless Wednesday are featured on sites to promote photography. Join in the fun. Or if you need your photos to be accompanied by lots of words try Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus .

Wordless Wednesday are featured on sites to promote photography. Join in the fun. Or if you need your photos to be accompanied by lots of words try Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus .

I am sure I know who was happiest getting their photo taken with these two world champion swimmers - his smile is hiding behind Ben. The YMCA offers a program every spring break called YSplash, a free national program to help teach children to swim . Our Y's aquatic coordinator was able to get Josh Schneider and Nick Thoman to begin the program, sign autographs and be available for intense questions from inquisitive dads. This was Ben's first year participating in this program. Ben had one staff person dedicated to him while he was in the water. It was a tough week because of seizure activity, but I still think Ben had some fun. Check out when the YSplash is scheduled in your area.

While running on trails at the US National Whitewater Center , we came across a Snapping Turtle , at least a foot long. After close examination, we realized its long sharp toe nail was stuck on the bamboo reed, making it impossible for the turtle to move and a sitting duck for any predator. We unstuck the toenail and hopefully, he made a beeline for the nearby lake. Special Exposure Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday are featured on sites to promote photography. Join in the fun. Or if you need your photos to be accompanied by lots of words try Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus .

Join in the fun at Special Exposure Wednesday , Wordless Wednesday or Seven Clown Circus .

In honor of Earth Day - April 22, 2011

Ben is usually reluctant to go up and down stairs. Here, Ben's PT works on building these skills. If Ben was more cooperative, it is possible he could ride the bus without the wheelchair. Join in the fun at Special Exposure Wednesday , Wordless Wednesday or Seven Clown Circus .

Join in the fun at Special Exposure Wednesday , Wordless Wednesday or Seven Clown Circus .

See if you can follow this branch of the family tree:  Ben's paternal great-grandmother's niece sent me this last week in the mail.  Made my day! Special Exposure Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday are featured on sites to promote photography. Join in the fun. Or if you need your photos to be accompanied by lots of words try Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus .

EXCLUSIVE from TMZ*: Ben cuts his hair. Unfortunately we forgot to save the trimmings to dole out to charities .  Special Exposure Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday are featured on sites to promote photography. Join in the fun. Or if you need your photos to be accompanied by lots of words try Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus . * T he M other Z one

Logan, 2 and Ben, 4 Three years ago on St. Patty's Day, I took this photo of Logan and Ben sitting on a bench in our yard. I distinctly remember this moment because three days later, Sean was born, forever changing their world.

Check out other special photos here.

Seen that commercial about the mom trying to get a decent photo of the family? Vote every day, once a day through March 8, 2011.

Mommy and Daddy found sofas to sleep on. How could we refuse?