Homemade Christmas-Benson

I have great in-laws. Have I ever mentioned that? I really do. On both sides! And I feel very lucky to be able to say that.
It is tradition in the Robertson family that each year we draw a name for one person in the family and make something homemade for them. This year my new brother-in-law, Todd Wiese, drew my name. His gift to me was priceless. He has an awesome camera and loves to take pictures so he gave me a photo shoot of my kids! Honestly, I could hardly love anything more. As a busy mom, it is all I can do to get everyone, including myself, dressed and fed every day. Pictures often go right out the window, especially nice ones. So THANK YOU TODD! Here are some his handy work.


These are a few favorites of Benson. I love them because they capture his sweet and funny little personality. Yesterday we were driving to church and Benson was sitting the back seat shouting, "Yea, Nursery!" I said, "Benson, do you love Nursery?" He replied, "Yes! I get 'nacks, fruit 'nacks, and toys!"
Truly, what's not to love?

Above, Todd captured Benson's "huh?" face. Whenever Benson doesn't understand someone or is confused, he'll look up and say, "huh?" with this very expression.

Benson is a delightful little person. He is always cheerful and loves to laugh. The only time he deviates from his cheerfulness is when he is overly tired. Most kids throw tantrums when they're tired but Benson gets a rye smile on his face and starts destroying things instead. It's actually a pretty commical trait, except when he knocks over a pile of freshly folded laundry, dumps McKay's legos all over the floor, or starts throwing his snacks all over the room. But, when he's well-rested he is pure delight.

Benson has a serious sweet tooth. He loves fruit snacks, treats, and chocolate milk. He does not love food. Really. I can hardly get him to eat anything besides milk. In fact, things were getting so bad that we finally instituted a "chocolate milk only on Sundays" policy at our house. The boys have chocolate milk at Nana and Grandmas' houses all the time so we determined we needed to cut back on the sugar somehow. Meanwhile, the boys always complained on Sunday mornings because they aren't allowed to watch their regular cartoons and they have to wear church clothes (two very unpopular points). So, we decided that the chocolate milk ban would be lifted on Sunday mornings so that they could have something to look forward to. So far it's worked great! 

Benson holds a very special place in my heart. He reminds me so much of his daddy, who likewise holds a special place in my heart. Plus, he is gentle to the core and sweet. I can hardly bare to make him unhappy because he is always so good.
A few days ago Benson and McKay had made a mess and I was speaking sternly to them about not purposefully making messes. After I walked away, Benson followed me into the kitchen, wrapped his little arms around my leg and said in a pleading little voice, "Mommy, you no be mad at me"? It just melted me to the core. He can't bare to think of anyone being upset at him or being hurt by him. If he thinks he has hurt my feelings (like if I start pretending to cry) he'll immediately run to me and give me hugs and kisses until I stop.
Benson is a good sharer and will often give McKay the toy he really wants in order to avoid McKay being sad. This can't be said of many two-year-olds.
I love this sweet little boy so much. His name, Benson James (BJ) is absolutely appropriate. He is a mini-version of his Daddy and a delight to have in our home.