Benjamin, Part 1

Benjamin's fourth birthday was on May 9th but he started his celebrations on the previous Sunday when we visited with my parents in the big city. Despite it still being early Spring, temperatures had suddenly soared to the high 20s and we enjoyed the early dose of Summer. We spent the day at a park near a lake, an indoor/outdoor restaurant, the parking lot of Toys'R'Us (ha!) and the busiest Dairy Queen in the world. It was at DQ that my parents gave Ben his birthday gifts. Nothing pleases Benjamin more than a tractor - any size will do.

Doesn't Daddy have a nice smile?

But then Joseph began his approach. Tractors also interest our youngest boy. My mom had bought Ben two tractors in the hope that Joseph would be allowed to play with one. Not so.

Dave wondering if I am going to get photographic evidence of the forthcoming fight. My father trying to intervene between his grandsons.

Benjamin putting his foot down on the 'tractor-sharing plans' of his grandmother.

Joseph reacting to the putting down of his brother's foot.

Ben making sure that we understand that it is his birthday and his alone.

And for some sugar and spice: Hannah immediately before her ice cream landed on the floor.