Matthew is definitely related to his cousin Ruben!

I have been finding train tracks set up in our playroom and even spilling out into the hallway and assumed that my 4 year old Jacob was doing it. Nope! It's Matthew!!! Here's the proof! And the reference to Ruben...saying he LOVED trains when he was younger might be an understatement.

Matthew working on the railroad!

Growing Up Benjamin

If you look at the top of the blog, I currently have a slideshow running of pictures throughout Benjamin's 8 years. Just thought that it would be fun to put together to celebrate his special day! Enjoy!

Blizzard 2010

It snowed like this for about 27 hours!

My personal favorite, the triple decker mailbox!

We lost a limb out of the huge pine tree out front.

Jacob said the snow on the table was a giant cake! Then he started licking it!

Clear skies after all the snow.

Trying to get out our door

Benjamin's bike was buried

Ben worked hard to clear all this!

Benjamin's Baptism and 8th Birthday Celebration

Benjamin's baptism was a very special day for me as his mother. I can well remember the day that I gave birth to him in 2002 with snow on the ground outside and a long labor. But when I held him in my arms and looked into his blue eyes, that was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. Benjamin grew quickly and was always tall for his age (still is!). He started rolling over and crawling and walked for his grandparents at his first birthday party. He was a happy child and always had a smile for everyone. Benjamin seemed to be developing fine until we made our move to Clemson SC in the fall of 2003 and he started to decline in his speech development. Little did I know that speech therapy and a great doctor would lead to his diagnosis of autism. With the help and support of many, Benjamin started making strides in his speech and language. He has always been a good helper and has a strong sense of right and wrong. Moving here to PA was a great blessing because he was placed in a wonderful program at school and continues to progress. He is 75% mainstreamed this year! Benjamin has been talking about his baptism for a long time and we knew that he was ready. I am so happy to be his mother. My favorite memories of the baptism were when he came up out of the water and jumped up to hug his Dad and exclaimed "I'm baptized!" Also, when he caught my eye as they were blessing him and he gave me a big grin and thumbs up. I was so thankful that all of our family and friends could be there for his baptism and celebration and for all of the support that we received from our church family. He is a sweet boy and I am blessed to have him as my son.

Getting ready to be baptized

The group that confirmed Benjamin

Benjamin with mom and dad

Ben cooking for the dinner

The cake (before Jacob got to it:)

Christian and Fiona Millard

Ruben and Jacob stacking cups

Jeffery and Benjamin

Evan and Aunt Linda

Benjamin with Uncle Dave

Birthday Cake time!

Blowing out the candles

Present time

Jacob in the snow

Evan and Christian

Grandma Orchard with Evan, Christian and Claudia

Valentine's Day at School

I went way overboard making fancy things that I saw in Family Fun but at least the kids can say no one gave out anything quite like theirs:) I hope they appreciate that I do these things when they are older!