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    S2 is 4!

    November 1st, 2014

    Oh, my little builder. Your creative mind fascinates me. You come up with the most creative ideas and designs, and don’t just dream them: you make them happen. I dare not interrupt your thinking because I want you to keep this unconstrained imagination of yours going as long as it can. I so look forward to seeing what kind of person you will grow into and the ideas you’ll have as a grown man.

    On a bonus side though, I’ve come to see that Lego is also your weakness, and I’m exploiting it. Shamelessly. In convincing you to eat and try new food. You spend all your money on Lego, you need more and now you earn it: through eating things you’d otherwise turn your nose up on. It’s a work in progress, but you get the program now and are on board. While payment for food may seem ridiculous, you have discovered you enjoy omelets, ribs, chicken, and salad.

    Hey, speaking of money… I’m a little sad you’ve inherited my spending habits. I was so hoping that this was something you’d take after Daddy. Dang it! We’re going to need to have some conversations around saving, and control in the near future. Meanwhile, note to self: no credit cards for this kid.

    You continue to be a super hugger and snuggler. I love getting hugs from you and seeing how your face lights up when you see me after school.  It makes my evening! You love your snuggly blankets, and cozy toys, like your bear, horsie, and Cat in the Hat. You still love to wear “cozy pants”. I guess a snuggled soul needs some snuggles on the outside too 🙂

    We truly enjoy seeing you dress up as well. I think it’s cute, and your make believe games, while in costume are awesome. You embrace the character you become. I enjoy seeing you play with your toys in general. The way you make them talk, and their conversations are a kick to listen to.

    I’m not sure you know what the word “No!” means. Not when I say it. When YOU say it. We’ll ask you if you want something; you’ll answer “No!” and then flip out when we do what you say. Huh? Same with “I don’t care!” I wish I had the super power of mind control simply so that I can erase this from your usage. It.drives.us.up.a.wall! Because, much like “NO!”, you flip out when “I don’t care!” comes out and you get the opposite of what you want.

    You sing to yourself. Don’t stop! Your voice won’t be ending in any talent competition (although I won’t ever say this to you… unless you actually apply for one), but I want you to continue finding joy through song, for yourself.

    You are super polite. This is wonderful. I feel your deep sense of empathy shines through in how you respond to others this way.

    You love babies. You think they’re cute, and like seeing your class-mate’s younger siblings. You will make a great babysitter and daddy some day.

    Now… onto our interview:

    What’s your name? S****

    Do you know your full name? S**** R*****

    How old are you? I don’t know

    How old will you be on your next birthday? Four

    What is your favorite color? Orange

    Who are your best friends? Andrew, Max… and Lucas, Owen and Danny. And… L- and, and, and, and Andrew and Max and Garrett

    What’s your favorite book? Lego movie

    What is your favorite movie? (whispers) Lego movie!

    What is your favorite TV show? Phinneas & Ferb

    What’s your favorite animal? (long silence) Zebra

    What is your favorite food in the world? Oranges… because I like them

    What is your favorite shirt? This one I’m wearing

    What is your greatest wisdom at the age of 4? Let me ask Siri

    What makes you mad? That my brother be-eeee happy. You’re made when your brother is happy? Yeah, when he knocked down my tower, how does he feel when he knocks down my legos down? Oh, so you’re not mad when he’s happy: you’re made when he breaks your Legos down? Ugh, huh.

    What’s your favorite toy? LEGOS!!!

    Happy Birthday, little man! Love you lots!

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    Halloween ’14: The kid version

    November 1st, 2014

    Since I posted about how Mom and I spent Halloween morning, it’s time to do the kid version 🙂

    S2 was a Knight and G went as a lizzard. Site note: G’s costume made him look more like a dragon, and between S’s knightly garb, they actually looked like they might’ve had a team costume thing going.

    Initially S2 wanted to be Captain America. Then Iron Man. However, somehow over the last few weeks he settled on Knight and stuck to it. I was a little surprised by this to be honest (he’ll wear Superhero shirts non-stop, and it’s big in his friend crowd). However, I didn’t particularly care, as long as it was something we already had in the house. Hooray for costumes being 365- available items in this house for him.

    G asked to be a lizard. Initially I thought “Great! Another Cheetah/Caterpillar year” But eBay totally came to my rescue and costume in his size popped up right when I needed it. For the grand prize of $15. Sold!

    A & B were super awesome in inviting us to ToT with them again this year…. especially since I more or less invited ourselves… and then told her we were bringing my mom and dad too. But they’re good people and put up with us anyway.

    They were reasonably polite to all the homes we visited, and other than running in the beginning and yelling down the street, on the whole it was a pretty good night for them. Next year I gotta remember to pre-emptively address:
    – NOT running down the street
    – NOT walking into someone’s home when they open the door
    – NOT yelling like drunken frat-boys while walking down the streets
    – NOT counting how many items they receive at each home and comparing with the other kids (actually I need to address this “me vs you” counting separately ASAP).
    – gracefully accepting candies they don’t like (they are now old to remember which candies are their favorites, and after this year they’ll be exposed to a lot more varieties)

    Dad stayed behind at A&B’s house. He was responsible for passing out candy since he didn’t want to ToT with the kids on account of his back pain. So, he was referred to as “The grumpy old man” by the boys. I will allow this: for the one time event of that evening. Tomorrow, this gets nipped in the bud 🙂

    It rained today. Actually it was perfect this evening, but not knowing where all the projected precipitation was going to end up, we hit up the local shopping center (and it’s convenient overhangs) just in case we’d get rained out for the actual Trick or Treating event. The boys now each have a gallon-sized zip-lock bag brimming to the top with candy. As in, hard to zip up. I think we’re set on after-dinner treats for the next 6 months.

    Of course, I will have to go ahead and withdraw my Twix Tax, first ;p

    Now… onto photos 🙂 (of course)

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