Hey buddy,
You have survived three years! Sometimes it is a struggle to ensure that happens as you are rambunctious and aggressive in most that you do. The other side though is this sweet, sensitive and snuggle buddy that you balance well. I say aggressive and rambunctious, but you are still very well behaved compared to most children (most of the time). You are also extremely happy. This will hopefully continue as a trend in these posts as you are just smiling, laughing, running, jumping and making every situation a fun one. You are the most carefree child I have ever seen, not an ounce of stress in you. You also had a number of first occur over the last 6 months, so let’s jump in!
Camping
We went camping for the first time as a family this past summer (see some pics below). We spent the day on Redfish lake with Slater, Gina, Eric, Lili and their baby. You loved the lake and even got to drive the boat with both me and Slater. You swam and played on the beach, and watched me jump off the rock cliffs (you were the only one excited about this btw, mom and Harper not so much).
Before we got on the lake we dropped all of you off with the boat and Slater and I went to secure the campground. I laid out our tent to reserve the spot, and then we headed back to the lake.
After we got off the water we went to the lodge and got food and drinks. We then hung out on the grass there for a couple hours and had a pretty good dinner. Slater actually also saved a guy’s life – but that’s another story.
When we were done we all headed over to the campground and I set up the tent for us. We had an air mattress that you, mom and Harper slept on and I slept on a pad on the ground. Sleep is being generous, I think I may have accumulated a full hour of sleep that night. Before bed we did s’mores, you guys played with flashlights around the camp, and then got so tired that you just passed out on the mattress. Passing out from exhaustion was not something you did a lot, and we were a little worried about camping the first time and you getting scared, so this was a nice little surprise. You guys slept straight through the night with no issue whatsoever.
I got up (not woke up, got up) at about 5:15am and went and built a fire. Maybe an hour later you made your way out and came and sat with me. Was at least another hour before anyone else joined us, but you just sat in my lap and talked for the most part – bundled up in your jacket and blankets. It was one of those memories I will never forget. Just sitting by the fire together, half asleep, talking about whatever.
Later we packed up and went home – ending our first successful camping trip.
School
You began school! You are attending Wesleyan, the same place that Harper went. You are definitely a fan of it (most of the time), and have really taking a liking to playing with trucks. You are more social than Harper was at your age and have no problem when I leave you at drop off. There are days when you oppose it, but for the most part you look forward to going.
You are also insistent on shorts at all times. Although this may seem odd to mention, it is relevant because you are so adamant about it all the time. It can be 30 degrees outside and you will insist on shorts and a jacket. Your mom and I have to sometimes hold you down just to get pants on you. While in the moment it is rather frustrating, after the fact it is always hilarious.
Tied to school, your language and number skills are far ahead of what we would have expected and those around you. I believe much of this is due to your exposure to Harper at a time where she is immersed in learning words, letters, numbers and basic math. Your dialect has improved immensely and you are even starting to recognize certain words, even though you can’t yet read. You should thank your sister someday for this advantage.
Trips
We have also gone on a number of trips over the last 6 months. McCall and Sun Valley stand out as that’s where we spent most of our time. We are getting to the point where we are also considering traveling longer distances. After the last Palm Desert trip we decided not to subject ourselves to that again until you were a bit older (you are a handful, but I would say compared to other kids you are good and our it’s really just our tolerance that is low). This winter/spring we are planning some bigger trips.
NOTE* I realize the pictures are duplicated below…I am just a bit too lazy right now to fix it.
Overall you are a hilarious, nearly always happy, very smart little guy. You and your sister love each other so much and play together constantly. You are one of the cutest kids that ever existed as well, and while, as I mentioned, our tolerance for mis-behavior is low, you are also a very well mannered and behaved child. I can’t believe I am writing a three year post for you right now either as the time has truly flown by. Talk to you again in six months.
Love you more than anything in the world,
Love, Dad
