Earthquake

Yesterday while I was at work we had a pretty huge earthquake hit the Northern Virginia area. It was a 5.8 and it really shook me up. I was on the ninth floor of my building and thought someone was running through the building but than it wouldn't stop. We were all shocked and held on as the building swayed back and forth like a wave. Immediately I thought of my children, Alexis and Ben. I wanted more then anything to get to them quickly. I shook some of the shock off, told my co-workers as we were being evacuated from the building that I was heading out to get my babies.

I prayed my entire way there. People were already leaving. Some weren't paying attention to the roads. I just wanted my children home safe and sound with me. I didn't care about anything else. The phone lines were jammed but I was able to leave a voice mail with Ben's Dad that I was getting the kids and to meet me at home.

I got into the building and saw my Ben first. He was waking up from his nap and the kids were all a bit awake. The teachers were shaken. Miss Sabrina informed me that she told the kids (after she composed herself) that she played a magic trick and made the building shake. She was trying to make light of the situation as all the kids were quite afraid. I wished both her and Alexis' teachers well, scooped up my children and headed home.

On the way, I asked Ben what he thought of the earthquake. His recollection was this.

"Mommy the walls were shaking. Sabrina was not so happy. It was scary. I didn't like her magic trick. We need to go to a new school."

His story touched me and at that moment I wished that I had been there with him when it happened. I really was sorry I wasn't there to comfort him but he was okay. The children were fine. We got home just fine.

Ben's Dad was home cleaning up the mess from a broken water heater that had left an inch of water in most of our basement over the weekend. He knew that I was heading home and getting the kid, so he waited for us. He had no idea it was an earthquake as he felt the movement but thought something perhaps broke again in our money pit of a home.

The family is safe. No one is hurt and thankfully nothing is broken. We all experienced our first earthquake and I hope that will be the last earthquake experience.

What a crazy Tuesday!

Ben was also mentioned in a Patch.com article about his experience in the article pictured above!

Ben's Fun Update

I believe this is the busiest summer we have had yet. Every weekend there is something planned and we've even had several weekday/week night events which is a rareity. Surprisingly enough we all aren't tired yet but more or less holding on for the ride.

This past summer Ben had gone on several field trips at school including Unos, the movie theater to see Reno, the ice cream store, and a local farm. He has splash days on Monday and even has seen a puppet show and this week will see a magician at his school. Between all the naps, nicely prepared food and the entertainment I wish I was going to his school. At least I know he is having a great time and getting my money's worth while he is in school.

As a family we have done a lot of fun things over the last few months. We've been to Kings Dominion as a Mommy/son date, been to tons of birthday parties, had tons of friends over for meals, had fun swimming dates, and went to Dutch Wonderland with just Daddy and Mommy. He certainly has had one spectacular summer!

Ben also has finally ditched babyhood and is a full fledged kid. He's four and with that is pros and cons. He asks interesting questions, we can actually have fun conversations and he surprises me with how wonderfully sweet he is. He still has temper tantrums here and there, but he's a kid. He's learning. I would be worried if he never got in trouble.

Some funny stories I have lately are:

• He recently spent the night at his Nagypapa and Nagymama's. During story time, Nagymama was telling him the story of the Three Little Pigs. Ben decided he did NOT want to be one of the pigs. My Mom traditionally names each of the pigs with people we know and usually we are the smart little pig who builds the house of bricks. In any case, she tried to have Alexis be a pig and Ben was adamant that she would also not be named as a pig in the story. When my Mom asked why, he replied with, "I don't want the wolf to get my sister." Can we cue in the AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW????
• We were headed into church this past Sunday through the basement. As always take the stairs that enter to the back of the church but there is a staircase that takes you right to the front of the church. Ben told me while pointing up to the stairs that lead to the front of the church, "Jesus is up there". I was happy he was grasping what I have been teaching him and then asked me, "Mommy, are these Jesus' stairs?" pointing to the stairs that lead up the front of the church. Its hilarious the things he comes up with!
• Ben also recently asked me if I had a baby in my belly. Thanks a lot Ben! I told him now and did he think there was? Maybe he knew something I didn't! Ben lifted my shirt, put his eye up to my belly button like it was a peep hole, put my shirt down and said, "Nope, no baby." Where does this kid come up with these things?
• Alexis just learned how to roll over and had rolled over on her belly. Ben got down per usual and started talking to her by getting eye level with her. Lexi got tired and decided to put her head down but put it down on Ben's arm. I figured he would move his arm, but he didn't. He said, "guess I'm staying" How sweet is he to stay thinking his sister wants him? I seriously couldn't be more proud of him.
• This past weekend was Ben's dad 10 year high school reunion. He typically holds doors for me especially when I'm taking Alexis in and out of the house, but he decided to show off what his Mom taught him and hold doors for people while we were on a tour of my husband's high school. I can't tell you how many compliments I received from the ladies on the tour as well as at the evening party on how refreshing it was to see little boys learning to hold doors for others. I'm glad he is learning some wonderful manners!
  

Ben also continues to love and dote on his sister. I never anticipated how wonderful he would be with her. He's caring, loving and silly with her. He'll sing songs to her at any time. He always has a smiling face for her and often calls her "pretty girl". He has to know where she is, if she's okay when she's crying and if she is upset he'll tell me what he thinks she needs. In turn Lexi thinks he is the cats meow and always gets excited when she sees her brother. She laughs and coos at him. I just hope this bond continues to grow once she becomes mobile!

I love my little Benihana (not that he ever wants to be called that and corrects me that he is in fact Benjamin Michael). He is just the little light in his Mama's eyes. I love that he's becoming quite the little gentleman. I am so proud to be his Mom!