Hurricane Irene

Boys,

This past Sunday we experienced Hurricane Irene, and all of her glory. For the whole week the news spoke about how bad it was going to be, people were put into a frenzy, and throughout every store the shelves for water were completely bare, as well as the section for flashlights. People were preparing for the worst, even Daddy went to Target on Thursday to purchase some things just in case we needed them. Daddy didn't think the storm would be as bad as people said it would be, and the last Hurricane that hit us really bad Daddy missed because he was on a family vacation in Florida. So, as Sunday approached we all got ready to take on the Hurricane together.

By the time Sunday came around and Hurricane Irene graced us with her presence she was already weakened. So, our big storm didn't turn out nearly as big as people made it out to be. It was nothing but really strong wind (which the two of you liked to look at through the storm door, as well as the window), but who knew such a weakened storm could cause such devastation!? It took out a wire down the street and we lost power at 9AM on Sunday morning! The horror of you two little monsters without electricity to maintain some kind of common ground. Mommy and Daddy didn't think the power would be out for that long, so when it did first go out it wasn't that bad and sort of peaceful to not have all kinds of noises going off. Minutes, turned into hours, hours turned into a day!

On the first day Boys we brought out the Toy Story tent and let the two of you play inside of it. Jonathan you did not like this nearly as much as Benjamin did and you refused to stay in it. Benjamin, you kept going in and out of the tent and occasionaly you would poke your head and scream "Boo!" what a silly boy you were! Jonathan, you would go up to the tent and try to make it crash from the outside. The tent only entertained the two of you for so long before you grew bored with it and wondered when Mickey Mouse Clubhouse would come back on. Daddy started to get a little stir crazy as well because the power would not come back on, and in the meantime plenty of people were bragging about how the power in their homes never went out.

Soon it was nap time for Jonathan and while Jonathan took his nap Benjamin, the two of us watched RIO for, Daddy can't even remember how many times we have watched this movie, but the lap top still had some battery power left and RIO was on the lap top so it only made sense we watched it. The battery lasted just long enough to finish watching the movie before we shut it down and now you too Benjamin were going to take a nap. You fought it for so long because you didn't have the luxury of the AC making the room nice and cool, but not only making the room nice and cool, but drowning out the noises from the passing cars and motorcycles, or the barking dogs, that kept you awake and scared. Finally you gave up and took your nap.

After nap time we went over to Grandma's house because she had a generator running and we could enjoy some lights while the sun started to set. Mommy and Daddy played Clue with Grandma, Uncle Scott, and Auntie Sara. Daddy won all three games! We went back home and it was early bed time due to the lack of power and the very next day we continued without power for the duration of the day. Daddy's work didn't even have power!

The electricity came back on by 8:30PM the next night and thank God for that! We had been over Grandma's house again as Mommy had to work and she made us some dinner! So when the power came back on we went back home and you two quickly went over to the television and caught up on some lost time.

Daddy thought at first not having power was the worst thing that could have happened to us. He was bitter to the people that did have power, but in the end it wasn't as bad as it could have been. We were able to spend some quality time together as a family without the television cutting in, without the internet taking over our time, without modern day technology interrupting our time together. So, in a way we were luckier than the people that didn't have their power go out, because while we were bonding with each other and trying to think of creative ways to pass the time those people were still going on with their regular normal day routines of relying on pictures on a screen to captivate their imaginations and get through the day. But, please guys, let's hope for no more Hurricanes any time soon.

Love Always,

Dad

Picture Time At The Picture People

Boys,

A few nights ago Mommy and Daddy took you both to the Picture People to take Birthday Photos. My how time goes by so fast, it seemed like just yesterday we were there taking Benjamin's first birthday pictures and now here we were one year later now with the both of you getting these pictures taken again. Benjamin, you were much more cooperative last year, and this year Jonathan was playing the role of the photogenic son. We arrived a little earlier for our appointment, and once we did we didn't have to wait long to get the middle room. Thankfully we didn't have to take the room up front near the store windows or this trip would have ended a little differently.

So once we were in the room Benjamin was up first to take his pictures. As expected Benjamin, you kept looking around for the exit and every time we sat you down to have your photo taking holding the number of your age you decided it'd be best to throw that number across the room and get up to run. Daddy believes he might have taken just one too many pictures of you when you were smaller because now when you see the camera you quickly look in the opposite direction. After multiple attempts we decided to move on to try and take pictures of Jonathan.

Jonathan you did much better and sat still while you were having your picture taken. Benjamin got so jealous of the awesome work you were doing that he decided it was now he wanted his picture to be taken too. Except when we swapped the two of you with one another Benjamin no longer wanted to take any pictures. This was a fun game we were playing, chase Benjamin around and try to get him to stand still and smile, guess who won?

It was time to take pictures of the two of you together. We laid you down on a blue rug, the same rug that used to be in front of Jonathan's crib, well... not the same rug, this one was much more clean and didn't look like it had been walked on for the better part of a year. Benjamin you laid down first, and kept laying down while Jonathan climbed on top of you. Daddy had to hide behind the girl taking your pictures and jump out to say "Boo!" to get you both to smile.

None of the tricks worked on the two of you. Not hitting finger nails on the hardwood to catch your attention, not the idle threats of tickling, not even using an evelope as a fan! Only the "Boo!" would work, and that didn't even work long! Once the pictures were taken we had to wait while they were processed.

In the meantime Benjamin you took your time coloring, and smiled the whole time, we should have just taken pictures of your coloring! We walked around the mall shortly after we picked out the pictures we liked while they printed out and by the time we got back they were done. Almost a few hundred dollars later (that place isn't cheap!) and we were back in the car on the way home. Daddy tried to be optomistic about the next Birthday pictures, but then he remembered Jonathan would be at the age you are now Benjamin, and probably would be showing the same defiance in picture taken. Daddy thinks these pictures came out just great now, even the crazy faced one.

Say Cheese,

Dad

Family Dinner!

Dear Boys,

Tonight we all had dinner at the table for the first time together! Mommy was on her lunch break from work and she joined the three of us at the table for some dinner! Jonathan, you couldn't have any of the pork chops, but the mashed potatoes were a go! Well, you didn't have much, but you did have a few bites. You had your fruit anyway and your star snacks so you didn't go hungry. Benjamin, you ate the majority of your food before switching into crazy mode trying to stand up in your chair and escape.

Speaking of eating Ben, Mommy told me a funny story today about you. This morning she gave you a muffin and told you the only way you could have some apples is if you ate the rest of your muffin. Mommy said she left the room and when she came back your muffin was all gone! Turns out though that all you did was squish the muffin underneath the plate it was on. You are your fathers son you devious child. Trust me though Ben you're not going to get one over on Mommy. Daddy knows he's been trying for years!

So, we all sat down at the table and enjoyed dinner together. It was the first time the four of us did this because usually Daddy goes into the living room to eat because the table is so small and there's not enough room to sit all around it. Daddy moved some things out of the way and pushed you over to the side a little Benjamin and he was able to squeeze right in! Daddy can't wait until the two of you are bigger and we can talk about how your days went and what you did, though at that point I'm sure both of you won't want to sit at the dinner table! We will just enjoy this while it lasts.

Love Always,

Dad

The Park, The Zoo, The Mall, and Wal-Mart too.

Dear Boys,

Yesterday we had a fun filled day... well, for the most part we had a fun filled family day with Auntie Sara joining us. Daddy had the day off from work and we got to spend the entire day together. We started first by going to Walmart, and the reason we had to go to Walmart is because on Friday night Mommy and Daddy went shopping and Mommy claims that Daddy forgot the Overnight Diapers at the store, but this mystery is still open for debate and Daddy would like to see the security footage to see how just was at fault for this. Daddy called Walmart that same night and let them know what happened and although they said they couldn't find any diapers at the Customer Service desk we were welcomed to come in and pick up some new diapers. So, this was the first stop on our trip and Daddy went in solo while the rest of you waited in the car. They were all out of Overnight Diapers! The good thing is that without question Walmart refunded the money we paid for the diapers! We went quickly to Target and Daddy ran in and out to buy the Diapers! Our next stop was the Mall because Mommy had some coupons for Children's Place and wanted to get the two of you new clothes.

Jonathan, this is where the little monster in you came out as you did not want to be stuck in your carriage. You cried and cried, and cried some more until Daddy finally took you out and held you. We had to wait outside of the store while Mommy, Ben, and Auntie Sara walked around looking for things. You were not pleased with any of this. Daddy took you to the fountain and let you look at it for awhile, before finally getting up and going back into the store. Daddy had to use his card at Children's Place because they offer an additional 10% off! Benjamin, Daddy brought you over to the fountain and let you throw some pennies inside of it, hopefully you made a wish! Then Daddy wanted to go to FYE. He brought Benjamin along for this and what a bad decision that turned out to be. Walking down the aisle Benjamin you decided to extend both your arms out and grab as many CD's as you could! So we quickly left this store and rejoined everyone else. We left the Mall, and after getting Taco Bell, we headed to the Zoo!

We arrived at the Zoo and before we headed in to see all the animals we decided to go play at the Park and the playground first. Benjamin you ran all over the place, and Jonathan you were fussy because you wanted to have some formula! We tried to put you in a swing first Jonathan, but you didn't want anything to do with that! So, we put you back in your carriage and as Benjamin played you got to enjoy your Goodstart Formula! Benjamin played on the swings at first, then the slide, then the rest of the playground going through the tubes and over the bridges all under the hot summer sun. After playing for a little while we decided to make our way into the Zoo. We have a Family Pass for the season so we get into the Zoo as many times as we want without having to pay every single time. Auntie Sara got in for free too! In typical Auntie Sara fashion though she stood at the cash register after the lady said we were all set and asked "What do we do now?" - She might as well have given her money away at that point!

We headed to the Carousel first. The last time we were here Benjamin, you hated this and cried with each turn. So we wanted to see if you were over your fear of the Carousel. Turns out, you're not, and your brother developed a fear of it as well. Both of you boys cried as we spun in a circle going round and around. Daddy held Jonathan and Auntie Sara held you Ben. Jonathan you were still extremely cranky even after having your bottle and refused to sit in your carriage anymore. So Daddy and Mommy took turns holding you as we walked through the Zoo. We saw the Bears first, then the Otters, then we made our way over to the elephants! Benjamin started getting cranky too, it was very hot outside and this probably played into the two of you being so upset. We saw some pigs, the horses, and Benjamin we got to see the cows! We didn't get to go on the train this time around, but Benjamin every time you saw it you got excited because you love trains. Next time we will go on that instead of the Carousel, and hopefully you boys won't be as devastated!

Before we headed out there was a spot where a sprinkler was on and Benjamin you wanted to run back and forth through it. So you did a few times getting soaking wet. After this we stopped at the Cafe to get some drinks before leaving. At this point the two of you were crazy! Jonathan you weren't strapped into your carriage and when we looked over you were rolled onto your stomach trying to slide out from under your cup tray. Benjamin, you wanted to run all over the Cafe even losing a sneaker at one point! We decided to head out and head home. The two of you sat in your car seats and Auntie Sara squeezed in between the two of you. We came home for much needed naps for the two of you, while Mommy and Daddy watched Dexter. This was a nice day we had together, and we will have many more to look forward to. The two of you might give Mom and Dad a run for our money, but after the childhood Daddy had with Uncle Chris he's sure there is nothing he can't handle. Daddy doubts you'll be half as bad as he ever was, and this is a very good thing!

Not Speaking Too Soon,

Dad

Second Trip To The Emergency Room

Benjamin,

Today was your second trip to the Emergency Room. This time was less painful and less devestating than before, but you still had some moments there that will make you hate the hospital forever. Daddy brought you this time because Mommy had to work. We went to the Hospital to get your stitches taken out. Daddy thought this would be a simple process and that we wouldn't have to restrain you, and we wouldn't have to wait long in the waiting room, and you would be good as new in no time! Well, a couple of those things were true. Daddy did have to restrain you once more as they took your stitches out of your eyebrow.

You were extremely upset about this as I figured you would be. The nurse asked if I thought you would sit in your carriage while they did this, but Daddy knew well enough you would be throwing your body all over the place because you do not like to be restrained, or held that much for that matter. So, you sat on Daddy's lap while one nurse held your head still and the other took out your stitches. Besides a few tears, and a really sweaty head it was over in no time and you had a nice orange popsicle!

The nurses couldn't believe how old you were and one of them had two boys of her own. Her three year old son had just became twenty nine pounds and she couldn't believe you were only going to be two. One of the nurses from the night you had your stitches put in was there as well and she came over to say "Hi" to you and see how you were doing. Daddy was proud of you, because he believes the only reason you were crying so much is because you wanted to roam freely around the hospital and see what you could get yourself in to, and not so much due to the pain of the stitches being removed.

Later on we went out for ice cream at Friendly's because you were such a big trooper during this whole process. Just you and Daddy again, some father and son bonding time. We sat at a booth, you in a high chair, and ordered some ice cream. You had a vanilla sundae with M&M's, and Daddy have a banana split. You weren't as interested in eating your ice cream as you were staring at two girls having their meals. Daddy kept trying to bring your attention back to the table, but the older of the two said you liked to flirt with them. Not sure where you get that from. You only had about half of your ice cream before you decided that you wanted to eat the snacks that were packed for you instead. We left Friendly's, you said "bye" to your new friends, and we headed out the door to our next stop. Toys R Us, for the hundredth time this month. Your birthday is fast approaching and Daddy shouldn't be buying you nearly as many toys as he has, but again, you did such a good job that this was a perfect ending to our trip.

You picked out two Chuggington trains that you didn't have. It's amazing they had two left that you didn't have. To justify purchasing these trains Toys R Us did have a buy one get one half off sale, so how could Daddy pass this down? While we were walking around the store you pointed to the aisle for all the Cars 2 toys and we went down it. Nothing here impressed you much and the look on your face was priceless. Unimpressed by all the toys that you already own. Spoiled little guy!

We made our way to the front of the store and usually when we check out you like to hold your toys as tight as you can as if the cashier is going to steal them and never give them back, but today you placed them both on the counter! Daddy didn't know whether or not this was a good thing or a bad thing. In a way it's great because you didn't cry and scream to hold on to the toys, but in the same sense it's bad because we've now been there so many times that you've become comfortable with letting your toy go for a brief second, and know exactly what to do during check out. Daddy brought you back home where you took your much needed nap. This was a very good day for the two of us and Daddy had a great time with you. This was a good ending to a terrifying story. Now we play the waiting game to see how bad your scar is going to be. Daddy has thick eyebrows so who knows maybe you won't even notice. Regardless of what happens you'll always be my little guy and I love you very much!

Always Going To Have An Empty Wallet,

Dad

First Trip To The Emergency Room

Benjamin,

Today you gave me the biggest scare I've ever had in my life. The day started like any normal day would with Daddy getting up and getting ready for work. Even on Daddy's Facebook he put "the days are long and the nights are short", little did Daddy know this was gearing up to be the longest night of his life. Daddy was going to come home from work with McDonalds for you because he forgot to take something out to cook. Nana and Grandpa were going to come over and visit you as well, but around 5:00PM today Daddy received a call from Auntie Sara, in hysterics, saying he needed to come home fast because you busted your eye open on the entertainment center. Without thinking of anything, but the state of your health Daddy frantically ran out of his Office and drove home the fastest he has ever driven anywhere before. All he could keep thinking about was if you were okay, and how bad your eye was going to be when he got home, and what he could do to help you. That is Daddy's worst feeling in the world, feeling like he can't help you when you're in desperate need of it.

When Daddy was speeding rather fast home he made it to the Stop sign up the road. A Police Car was on the other side of the Stop sign and it took off first, making Daddy slow down just a little bit. The Police Car ended up pulling someone else over and Daddy quickly took off around the two of them at a fast rate. Looking back on it now Daddy should have slowed down, but if the Police Car chased after Daddy he would have had to wait until we pulled up in the driveway together. The only thing going through Daddy's mind was whether or not you were okay. This might be why when people call Parents about something that's happened to their kids they might want to calm down a bit first. When Daddy got home and came through the door you were sitting on the couch and Sara, Randy, Scott, and Jonathan were with you. You were calm by this point, but your boo boo looked nasty. Daddy asked Sara how this happened and she explained to him that you fell face first into the entertainment center while dancing to "Spongebob Squarepants". Daddy hopes this doesn't ruin Spongebob for you!

Mommy came home from work early so we could both bring you to the Emergency Room. When we got there we didn't have to wait too long, and Grandma showed up to surprise you! Daddy bought you some M&M's from the vending machine and kept giving you them to take your mind off of the band-aid we put over your gash. When we finally went in the room you were acting as crazy as ever. This is what happens when you don't take a long enough nap. You were all over the place and even bit Mommy on the arm at one point! We shared more M&M's, but eventually this wasn't even enough to calm you down. We brought your Mickey Mouse along for the trip. He's your best bud and you can't go to sleep without him so we figured he'd comfort you and make you feel safe. You hugged him close at one point and rocked with him, and in the next minute you were throwing him all over the room!

The Doctor finally came in and gave us the news that you were going to need stitches. Daddy remembered when he was a kid and needed stitches they stuck him in this giant sling that kept his body still and knew you were going to hate it and scream and fuss, but turns out they don't use that anymore because they wrapped you in one blanket like a burritto and we all had to hold you down while the Doctor stitched up your eye. This was the worst part of the night listening to you scream and cry and not being able to help you. Daddy felt terrible holding your legs down and eventually started crying himself. It was tough seeing my little boy in so much pain, but the sad part is I'm sure through the course of the rest of your life you will encounter some more bumps and bruises, and hopefully each time gets easier to push through.

You did end up getting your McDonalds and Daddy gave you one of your birthday gifts a little early because for the most part you handled yourself like a strong little man! I'm proud of the way you were tonight and Mommy is too. When we came home we laid in bed and watched your favorite movie together. Cars. This was one of the longest nights we've had in a while, but I'm glad we made it through it, and I'm glad you're going to be okay. I'm also glad we had such an amazing group of people that also helped us through this.

Hoping The Scar Isn't THAT Bad,

Dad

Finding Out Your Arrival: Jonathan

Jonathan,

Daddy will always remember the day we found out you would be joining us. It wasn't too long after your big brother Benjamin was born! Daddy had always heard that when you have one child, having more wouldn't be too hard. Boy is that statement true! You're living proof! Daddy made a trip to the pharmacy and picked up a pregnancy test, just like he had done dozens of times before when we were trying for your brother. Just like those dozens times Daddy figured this would be another negative test, it had to be right? What were the odds that just a few short months after Benjamin was born we would be blessed with another child so soon. Mommy and Daddy had planned on trying to have you one year after Benjamin was born, instead you were born one week shy of a year from Benjamin's birthday. We had the right month in mind, just a little backwards on the plan!

So Daddy came home with the pregnancy test for Mommy and we patiently...well, as patient as we could, waited to see what the results would be. After a few long minutes we checked and sure enough it said, for the first time ever on the first try, a positive reading. Daddy instantly dropped down to the floor in the hallway in disbelief. Unlike when we found out Benjamin was coming this time there was a little fear there. Another baby so soon? How could this have happened? Well, Daddy knows how it happened and one day when you're older you will find out too... in health class, but how could it have happened so soon? Would we be able to handle another baby when we were just discovering what it was like to be parents? We would find out the answers to those questions soon enough as you were on your way and there was nothing we could do about it now.

Daddy was scared, he didn't know if he could handle such responsiblity so fast. The fear, and the doubt did not last long though. Daddy quickly looked at this as another blessing, another chance to do what I was meant to do. Raise another baby. Daddy figured that you would not be coming if Mommy and Daddy couldn't handle it. There is a saying that "God only gives as much as you can take", and now that you're approaching your first birthday and you've been here for almost a year now I've never believed that statement more. I wouldn't change anything about your arrival for the world. I am so happy that you're here, we planned on having another baby, and we might not have planned on it being so soon, but this is what the world had in store for us.

The biggest concern was whether or not you would be a boy. Financially speaking it would have helped a great deal if we were having another boy, but due to my own selfish reasons I was hoping and praying you'd be a boy. So we were very happy to find out you another son would be joining us! Well, Daddy was, not sure how much Mommy was as her exact words were "Oh no, I'm going to live in a house full of Edwin's", but I know she wouldn't change you if she was given the chance. You really mean the world to us and anyone who decided they wanted to have another child right after their first one Daddy would suggest if they truly felt they could handle it they should go for it, because having you and your brother was the best thing that Mommy and Daddy could have done. We didn't make a mistake, we didn't make a stupid decision, we made the best decision we could and now Benjamin not only has a little baby brother, but a best friend for life.

Love Always,

Dad

Finding Out Your Arrival: Benjamin

Benjamin,

Daddy remembers where he was the day he got the call from Mommy to tell him you were finally going to be on your way. It was one of the last days working at Target when Mommy had a Doctors Appointment she had to go to, a few hours later Mommy called Daddy and told him that the Doctor said she was pregnant with you! Words couldn't even express what was going on inside of my mind, the emotions that were going through my body as we finally got the news we were trying so desperately hard for over three years. You were going to be on your way and at that moment in time I knew that my life would change forever, and I wasn't afraid. I wasn't scared of the things that would be coming, what you would bring. I knew that this was what I was meant for.

Mommy and Daddy tried for a long time and after dozens of trips to the Pharmacy to pick up pregnancy tests (I think Mommy only went once!), after dozens of negative test results, and dozens of heartaches. We finally got the results we had been waiting for. Daddy was down in the dumps thinking you would never come and join us. It was tough seeing people get pregnant so easily when we were trying so hard. In a large part your arrival was thanks to Mommy's doctor and his name was Dr. Johnson. He helped Mommy and Daddy when hope was lost, when we doubted whether or not we could have kids. It was one of the happiest days of our lives when we found out you would be joining us in nine long months.

We tried to keep your arrival a secret not wanting to jinx ourselves. The plan was to wait until we had our first appointment, but the excitement was simply too much to keep in. We first told a select number of people and said that this would be the only people we would tell, then the word keep spreading and spreading until finally everyone knew. Everyone was as excited as we were, and rightfully so! Uncle Brian and Auntie Amanda just had Cole, so they were excited he would have a buddy on the way. Daddy's only concern was whether or not you would be a boy. Granted it wouldn't matter because you were coming and that was the important thing, but Daddy has seen what girls are growing up to these days and didn't think he'd be able to handle anything like that. Thankfully we found out you were going to be a boy. You came in September, a little early from your original due date in October and you've been filling our lives with love and joy ever since. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for finally giving you to us.

You're going to be two next month and you're doing new things every single day. Daddy is discovering new things about himself thanks to you as well. You're getting so big so fast that I want to just freeze time so I can have my little boy just a little bit longer. I know the terrible two's are on the horizon and I think they have it all wrong. They should call it the terrible one and a halfs, but there is nothing you can do wrong, and I hope to never do wrong by you. Nothing in the world matters to me more than being your father. You're the best gift Mommy has ever given me... well, at least for a year, then you had to share the spotlight, but that's another letter for another time.

Love Always,

Dad

Haircut Number Two!

Dear Benjamin,

Today Daddy took you for your second haircut. Mommy and Daddy took you back in April for your first haircut, but not much of your hair was cut the first time as it was today so maybe we shouldn't count that time? When Mommy and Daddy took you, you had to sit on Daddy's lap in the chair, but today you got to sit on a booster seat all by yourself like a big boy! Mommy stayed at home with Jonathan while we went out together for some bonding time. We didn't have to wait long and when you sat down on the chair you brought two of your toy Cars along with you. Daddy knew the nice lady cutting your hair today so it made things go a lot more smoothly. You had your hair cut with scissors because Daddy was afraid if you heard the trimmer you would have freaked out and started crying. After all you do freak out when the vacuum goes on, or a loud motorcycle goes by.

So while she cut your hair with the scissors Daddy gave you some M&M Mini's to keep you occupied. Every time Daddy pulled out the tube for the M&M's you smile and start rambling about them. At the end of your haircut we thought about using the trimmer to cut the back of your hair and at first we decided against it, but Daddy had a plan in mind to make it so we could use it and you wouldn't freak out. Daddy showed you the tube of M&M minis and put it down by your legs. You immediately stared down at the tube and while you were in your M&M trance you didn't even notice that the trimmer was on and cutting your hair on the back of your head! It was a dirty trick, but it worked and you didn't shed one tear. They even said you were one of the best kids ever to go in there because not once during the entire hair cut did you cry, whimper, scream, move all around, you sat there silently and did not move a muscle. Daddy was so proud of you that he knew we had to make a trip to Toys R Us later on that night.

When your haircut was over Daddy took you straight home and Mommy was very excited to see you with your hair so much shorter than it was. Daddy on the other hand would have been fine with you growing your hair out as long as you could. Daddy had very long hair when he was a baby and he's not sure why Nana or Grandpa never decided to get it cut. There is photo evidence of this as well!

Mommy had suggested that Daddy go out and get his haircut because we were all going to go to Nick's birthday party in a few hours and there was still time. So Daddy went back out to a different barber shop and got his haircut, and of course the lady there wasn't as nice and cut Daddy's hair like his head stole something from her. That is a different story for a different day though. Right now you and your brother are fast asleep, you've both had a very long day today! Haircut, Nick's Birthday Party, then out to eat to Friendly's, and ended the day with a trip to Toys R Us (where you got your "Mack" Cars Carrying Case that you are now obsessed with). Very long day indeed. Benjamin, Daddy just had to write to you to let you know about the day we both got our haircut, and my big baby looked like a little man.

Love Always,

Dad