We were recently on a trip down to San Antonio for my 20 year reunion. That's right, 20 years since I graduated high school and went off to college as an eager young man with dreams and high hopes of a successful future. No way in H-E double hockey sticks was there a vision of 4 kids in my future, so I guess my dreams just weren't big enough back then. Anyway, while making the track down I-35 after everybody had stopped screaming and yelling at each other, the kids were staring out the windows into the darkness. Just when we thought they were all asleep, Abby broke the silence with an odd and somewhat angry statement. "GO AWAY MOON", she blurted. It took a minute for it register what she was saying and then the moon appeared out the window to my left. "Daddy, the moon is following us, why is it following us?" Instead of explaining the scientific reasons why it appeared the moon was following our car down the highway (not that I could do that anyway), we made a game out of it and I told her the moon was actually trying to race us to Mama and Papa's house. The kids thought this was great and encourage me to drive faster. "Faster Daddy, Go Faster!" Realizing my susceptibility to a child's influence, my story changed to the moon is really following us to keep us safe. The best part about raising kids is you see the world in a completely different and innocent light.
We were coming home late earlier this week when Lawson noticed the moon outside his window. "Daddy, Mama and Papa house?" It took me a minute to remember our trip and then realized he now associated the moon with driving to San Antonio. It gives me hope that Lawson Boy's head may be used for something other than just a battering ram.
The kids seem to be enjoying their summer so far. Lily was able to spend extra time in San Antonio by herself, which made her very happy to have some time away from her brother and sisters. Lawson is anything but a baby anymore. He has entered into the terrible 2 stage and is not bashful to let you know his feelings. When he does not get his way or you start to get on to him, he points his finger directly at your and yells, "NO." This fun little gesture is typically followed with a full palm held at you as he utters, "Thtop", and "NO" once again. Aunt Chelle witnessed this lovely interaction between Lawson and I, and now uses this tactic on her teenage kids (Morgan going into college this year), though I believe the only reaction she will get from this style of discipline is uncontrollable laughter.
We are looking forward to the beginning of even busier times which should last the next 15 years. Lily is in soccer, gymnastics and cheer leading. The twins will start soccer this fall, which I cannot wait to see how that goes. My prediction is Chloe will enjoy socializing with the other girls, and Abby will give her all to being the best soccer player on the field. She takes after her daddy a bit, and does not like to lose. Hopefully she can keep her temper in check seeing as she wears all her emotions on her sleeve. Regardless, it may take more than one mini-van in this household to shuffle the monsters around to all these events.
An update on the final member of our family. Jingles is about as tall as Lawson now, and listens about as well as Lawson too. Good thing he can't raise a finger and say "Thtop".
Jeff, Kasey, Lily, Abby, Chloe, Lawson Boy, and Jingles
