In addition to gardening, Ben's favorite new pastime is looking for golf balls. As you may have read, the garden is a "co-op" of sorts that our friends Dan and Carolyn let us share. Dan, who is retired, likes to use all that land as a pseudo driving range, so as our gift to him, after working in the garden, we go search for golf balls, and there are lots! I think it is great practice for upcoming egg-hunts. So, watch out all you other preschoolers! Another activity we have discovered on the way to our garden (which is about 10 miles away) is the dairy bar that lures us in each time we pass it on our way home. After toiling in the fields, it is a welcome treat! Besides, I am a great rationalizer!
I have to record a benchmark this week. For the first time Ben and Maddie actually played together in the playroom for a sustained amount of time, and with no screaming, crying or major injury! And I got some glorious vaccum/laundry/pickup time to myself!! It was glorious! Here is another great milestone!! Ben, Maddie and Cousin Carly got to spend some quality time in the cozy corner reading. Ok, this was staged, but i really did catch them all reading - it just all changed when i entered withe the camera- Carly was actually reading to them! how sweet. 
