Ben: Through the Ages part 2

Friends,
I'm usually pretty good about following simple instructions, but it looks like I let y'all down. Everyone was really clear about wanting me to go down the line and cover all the kids before getting back to Ben, but all these really great shots of him are in the pipeline and I just can't stand letting them sit there!! You have my word that this won't happen again. Let us begin.

We all know about Ben's propensity for Academia, but there are so many other facets to him that need to be examined, and that is on the agenda for today. This shot of Ben the nature lover was taken on the mountain top overlooking our house. That's the neighborhood in the background. If you are ever in the mood to fire off a canon, this would be as good a place as any to do it.

Ok, ok, I know this falls under the category of physics. Ben will be happier now that the sciences have been covered in this post.

Hiking in Death Valley. Don't worry, nobody died.

The General has just issued orders to serve the ice cream.

Ben will not let an injured pinky derail his dreams of owning his own cell phone someday.

This is California's Capitol building in Sacramento. Ben served as an Intern for Senator Rico Oller. It was this experience that snuffed out Ben's dream of one day becoming a politician.

This is Ben's other favorite columned building. The fact that he is wearing the same shirt in both photos is a coincidence.

When not wearing a maroon shirt, Ben likes to dress down by donning his pelvis mask.

Ben is about to go for a ride.

It's a bird, it's a plane...

Ben is best known for his culinary skills. Rolling pins really bring out his passion, not to mention the war paint. I'm more of a BBQ person.

Dressing up for a dinner party is right up Ben's alley. Especially if baking is involved. Bon appetit!

Ben once disclosed that I have been known to wear multiple pairs of glasses simultaneously. Here we have photographic evidence that the apple does not fall far from the tree. I cannot explain his other accoutrements.

Ben and I went on a two day ride to Lake Tahoe. this was taken on the way home.

Before turning him loose on our Nation's highways, Ben was put through a rigorous training program. Apparently our training methods were inadequate because...

Ben went on to crash the motorcycle while on his way home from dance class, breaking some of the bones in his left hand. Those yellow orbs are attached to metal pins that the surgeon inserted to immobilize his wrist. It should be noted that Ben is a southpaw. We are in the market for a replacement motorcycle, as the FZR 1000 did not survive the ordeal.

This is the X-ray of his injured hand. Those pins run through the bones. Ouch!!

This spot isn't far from the house, and is a favorite place to cool off.

Ben received this canoe for Christmas one year. Are you familiar with the expression up a creek without a paddle? This is just the opposite; Ben has the paddle, but no creek. Nick is a snappy dresser.

Cherry Lake. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/visitor/cherry.shtml

Remember what I said about Ben having an advantage over Thomas when it comes to headgear? I take it back.

Deep in concentration... five moves from victory!!

Ben likes to keep an eye on things. Could he be looking for his shoes?

Not many people realize that soccer is a thinking man's game.

Ben decided to make the most of his brother's soccer match by enjoying a formal tea. Thomas was forced to participate, but he would not allow himself to be photographed under these circumstances.

This brings this installment of Ben: Through the Ages to a close. Hopefully, you have gained greater insight to this complex fellow. He is a son, brother, student, friend and citizen, but above all, he is a warrior for Christ!
be safe,
Hec @ 19