Just look at this kid and try to tell me he isn’t going to be a fearless athlete.
Here he is yesterday, on our second trip out trouncing and sledding around the neighborhood.
Clearly ready to beat the snot out of any snow man that tries to ruin his day. Give Benjamin an accessory – like a sled – and he gets into position, as if he’s been doing it for years
Breaking his concentration only to shout at his Mommy slave, “run faster Mommy! FASTER!”
After a few hours of sled-walking-pulling (too scared to take him on a big hill because we are in a two-week health insurance lapse) we packed up into the car and headed to a bowling tournament for the MJB Foundation. And after one too many of Benjamin’s balls landed (and stopped) in the gutter
John Bear lent a hand, or two
And then I saw – for the first time – Benjamin’s first victory dance. Each one started like this. With Benjamin, intensely watching the ball
and then pumping his fist into the air with a loud and very masculine, “Yeeessssss.”
and then, all while shouting “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
he would run back to his team
and actually go airborne
before making it to their open hands for a high-fives and big hugs.
He gets the athleticism from his father, the competitive spirit from his mother and with this guy as his coach -
If anything, Benjamin is going to be a fierce bowler. But I also have dibs on bobsledding.
See more pictures of our snowy bowling weekend (including John Bear’s perfect form) here.
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
In the first two pictures, he seems to be saying “Bring it on..you want some of this?!” What a happy boy!
Benjamin looks like he was having a blast! He is such an adorable little guy. You are obviously doing a great job with him.
Wow! So happy you all are finding such happiness!
oh my gosh, i LOVE his coat! you’ve got great style, mama.
Thanks Christine! The coat is from one of our favorite kids clothing second-hand stores. Unbelievable, wool and everything.
The picture of them getting ready to push the ball is SO cute. It could be the cover of a Father’s Day card!
I would totally be framing the photo of Benjamin between John’s legs. Classic shot with great framing and composition. Are you sure you don’t have a future in photography?
Okay, okay… you have all convinced me to frame the sucker. It is a good shot. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I think I take about 150 pictures a day but that one is particularly awesome.
Benjamin is adorable!
He is too cute! Pictures put a smile on my face! thanks for sharing! and definitely love the one of John and Benjamin (backview between the legs)
I agree with the card suggestion above. These are some classic pics.
It was very cool to be able to meet you and Benjamin. I’m glad you had fun.
Very grateful for the shout out for the MJB Foundation.
We really appreciate you coming out to Bowl for Joy. When we first talked with John he mentioned how much he loved golf so I’m hoping if not before that we might get to see you all at Golf for Joy too.
Also, thank for taking the time to meet my friend Kelly. That was very cool!
I still can’t believe people read my blog – let alone “real” people, so the pleasure was all mine. John will definitely be at the Golf for Joy. And he’s been begging me to try golfing and I can’t think of a better reason to learn!
Thanks again for having us and hosting.
LOL … looks like it was a beautiful day for everyone all the way around!! Such a gorgeous memory, eh?
Awesome pictures, Alaina. What a great day – and yes – a fierce athlete you have there.
I’ve been a lurker for sometime. I’m tired of your act. You are the most conceited person. I’m glad you have your fans who you give “hope” to, but they don’t need you and I wish they new that.
I’m not going to attack, just question. Why? Especially at this post, a post that is just about a fun day she had with her loved ones? I’m not exactly sure why this one put you over the edge, and it makes me curious. While I disagree with you completely, I suppose you are entitled to your opinion, I just don’t understand it. I suppose you also have problems with parents who pull pictures out of their wallets to show people of their adorable children, because this post is just the electronic version of it.
Hey there lurker! Two quick things…
1: “i wish they new that” should be “I wish they KNEW that”
2: We do know that. She doesnt need us and we dont need her but we do all have the same common respect for one another and appreciate the support of our friends/fans.
Martha, then why read? It doesn’t make any sense to me.
Martha — It’s not about giving us hope. It’s about finding someone to whom we can relate. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions. So, I supposed, I’m entitled to STRONGLY disagree with you.
I’ll just say it. Wow, Martha, you are such a bitch. From all of the other single mamas out there – and this one – who wishes that there had been this blog to read when her (now 19 year old sophomore in college) son was small, just go away.
I’m inclined to agree w/ CruisinTam… If you dislike the blog so much, then why on earth are you still READING it..? I’m thoroughly confused. And you know what.. she DOES give some of us hope. Hope that us single moms can find our way back to happiness. Go be hateful somewhere else, because this is a positive place to be – unless someone like you manages to wedge your negativity in somewhere!
With the missing teeth he looks like a hockey player. I also have a message to Martha: Do you wish her fans “new” that or that they “knew” that? I’m sure many “knew” but I’m not sure how they would “new” that…
That shot of John helping your son bowl is just priceless! You’ve gotta frame that!
Don’t let the haters get you down! They have a choice of going elsewhere and to hang around and just spew hate–well obviously they are the conceited ones–to think we care about their opinion. Very cute shots and looks like a totally fun day!! You got 2 great guys there!!
This is one of my favorite posts Alaina. Benjamin is adorable and you can very clearly see how happy he is with you and John Bear. Love, love, love the shot between the legs! These are wonderful memories you are building!
As for the hater, busymomma66 is absolutely right. You have a choice on whether or not to read your posts, if you don’t enjoy the stories and what is being shared on this blog – stop reading it. No one needs your negative attitude.
What a fun-filled day. It was so nice meeting you at Bowl for Joy. I’m glad you all could brave the weather and come out for some good times. Your son is a beautiful bundle of energy. The pictures and your blog are testament to how you treasure him and your memories you are creating.
Don’t let the hater get you down! I am absolutely crazy about your stories and your photos, keep up the good work!
There are one million Marthas for the one and only Alaina. And thank God for that. Benjamin rules, the photos of a happy little boy roll my rock … and so do you my dear one!
Thanks so much for Ms. SingleMama Approving my blog! It sure means a lot, you’re so nice!!
Just wanted to echo — yeah…hater…go find something else to do….like move on to something else. Maybe a grammar class…
love those pictures and those smiles!
Awesome pics and a fun day. I love your blog! Thank you a million times over as I am beginning my single mama journey with my little girl and need all of the support I can get. This blog is more than hope – lurkers go away and find your own space on the web…lord knows it’s big enough. We don’t want you here.
Awesome pics!
I love these little peeks into your life. Beautiful. And what great photography work!
Give your haters the attention they need quickly… They jusT need a lil hug!!! lol… KEEP doing YOU Alaina!!
OH, I just had to say I LOVE that series of photos of the victory dance/love shining from your son’s eyes at the bowling alley!!! What a precious moment to be so fortunate to capture forever. And your man’s smile at the end is priceless. Thanks for making my day even better!