Ben's first field trip!

On October 16th, Ben's preschool went on their very first field trip! Ben was just a little excited...

In celebration, Ben officially inherited Aaron's "I <3 my son" mug

We traveled with 14 other 3-4 year olds to a local farm to enjoy cider and donuts, pick pumpkins, and learn about different animals on the farm.

Powdered donuts are the perfect snack for a farm field trip!

After snack time we rode some animals. Ben was an expert cow-rider.

"Let's go Betsy! We've got pumpkins to pick!"

Off we went on a tractor wagon ride to the pumpkin patch!

"Mommy! Stop taking pictures! The wagon is ready to go!!!"

Tractor ride selfie!

When a cut-out picture is available, you should always take advantage of the situation!

What a cute little pumpkin!

Ben was very particular about his pumpkin. He selected 5-6 possible pumpkins but none was up to the level for which he was looking. He finally found this perfect little pumpkin! After he found his, he helped me select one for his favorite person, cousin Gracie.

It's the one!!

What do you think, Mom?

There is dirt on my pumpkin.

Oh, my pumpkin, I'll take you home with me.

Ben has been on a tractor kick. When he found that our wagon was going to be pulled by a tractor he was out of his mind excited!

The wheel is bigger than me!

Next we were on to see the animals. I was worried about how Ben would handle this portion since he is anxious around most pets. I was shocked when he voluntarily wanted to pet every animal he could...including the goat, much to my dismay!

Goats!

My Ben was the very first one to milk the goat!

Mommy, this is a very short horse.

The field trip was a huge hit! Ben did a great job listening and fully experienced everything. It was a wonderful morning!

Intense field trip face!

We decided to continue the celebration through the day. Uncle Beau and Aunt Tia gave us a Red Plate for Christmas a few years ago. Ben is special every day but field trip day was a day worth using the Red "You are special today" Plate!

"You think I'm special so I should eat on this plate every day."

Preschool!

On our way to Ben's preschool meet and greet!

Ben's best friend came to give her approval

I must have blinked! So many had told me not to and I couldn't keep from blinking. Now my sweet Peanut is a preschooler!!

It was never our intention to have Ben go to preschool. As a stay-at-home mom, I didn't want to miss a single minute of him growing up (well, maybe those tantrums I could skip over...). As a single mom, I realized it would be a great blessing for us to each have some individual activities. It was a great decision!

Ben is able to develop and explore the creative side he never knew he had spending his days with his anti-mess type-A mom. His teachers commented from the beginning on his love of creativity and the arts. It was hard to hear of this characteristic I didn't really know in my own son but so grateful for these patient women!

Art work that is now hanging in our playroom!

After his first day, we went to two of Ben's favorite places:

Red Robin for Cheeseburgers!

Dairy Queen for Sprinkle ice cream cones!

 He is loving learning, creating, and making friends.

Naturally, his favorite days are still "Gracie days" but preschool days are up there on his list of favorites.

What a big boy he has grown to be over these past 2 years. I am so proud to be his Mamma!