Ben's Hutch Friends

We had to make a quick trip to Hutchinson for Ben, Abby and Luke to go to the dentist.  Ben asked if it would be possible to see his buddies while we were there.  It's hard to say no to him, since every time we go up there, I get to go to lunch with my friend, Athena.  I told Ben that if his friends could meet for lunch, then he could see them.  Thankfully it worked out!

These boys have been friends for such a long time and I am always happy to see them together! It is so amazing to see the you men that they have become!  I am so happy that after moving away four and a half years ago, that they are still friends and look forward to seeing each other anytime they can!

Ben's Memphis/Springfield Vacation

Ben had the amazing opportunity to go on vacation with one of his best friends (Sam) this month! He was really excited when he found out that they would be visiting Graceland. Ben has been an Elvis fan for a long time!

He even dressed up as Elvis for Halloween in kindergarten! :)

Anyway, Ben LOVED Graceland! He only took a few pictures because the camera battery died. :(


Elvis's mom and dad.

Springfield was also on the trip agenda, which included a tour at Fantastic Caverns and a trip to Bass Pro Shop. Apparently Bass Pro Shop is a must for 13 year old boys!
Ben + Bass Pro Shop = New knives. (No, these aren't all Ben's!)
I'm told this is normal. I guess boys will be boys.

When Ben got back to town, Sam got to stay with us for a few days. I am so glad these two great boys got to spend some time together! I know I don't need to say it, since I say it every time I talk about Ben's buds, but these are some great boys!

What boys do...

No visit to Bartlesville is complete without a meal at Frank & Lola's!


Friends for LIFE!

I really enjoyed having Sam here for a few days! He is a sweet, polite young man! :)
Thank you, Christy and Steve, for taking Ben on such a great vacation! I know it is one that will live on in his memory for many, many years!!

The Three Amigos Summertime Fun!

I know I have blogged about Ben and his amigos before, but it never ceases to amaze me how these three boys have been able to maintain such a great friendship over the past three years since we moved away from Hutchinson!

A few months ago, Sam's mom called me to see if we could arrange a time this summer for Ben to go up to Hutch and spend a few days with the guys. Absolutely! Ben counted down the days until it was time to go! He was packed three weeks early!

Sam, Ben & Luke

They had a great time! When I picked Ben up I found out that he hadn't slept at all the night before! That wasn't exactly shocking news. That's pretty normal when the guys all get together. They want to spend as much time together as they possibly can while they can! I can't blame them! Anyway, I thought Ben would end up sleeping most of the way home. He didn't! He talked almost the entire way! All the way up until we were 15 minutes from home! (That wasn't terribly shocking either since Ben is into sharing all the details of everything!) This is what happened when we got home...

He crashed! Obviously a great few days!

It is awesome to watch these boys all grow up together, yet far apart. They are three of the nicest boys that I know! I definitely think they have the makings of a life long friendship!