Nick's Life: August 2011

Lots of traveling in August, from Atlanta, to all over Pennsylvania, and home, all the while I was travelling for work to D.C. with a stop in North Carolina. He continues to be a master traveler, watching 'semini' trucks go by, and passing time with movies. He was was ready to go when we left, packing his own suitcase, with one pair of shoes and a space shuttle. When it was time to come home, he sat in the car for hours waiting for the departure.

Nick's also getting more helpful with chores and other tasks, and loves to remind you when he's busy (he picked that up somewhere). He helps wash the car even better, and was a big help at Paesanos in Huntingdon, Brandi's family's restaurant. He vaccumed and cleared tables after hours. After work, he played paper airplanes with his Pappy in the dining room. They call some activities at school 'work' so he's constantly reminding my how much work he has to do.

Still many life lessons to be learned, like you can't lick your friends... and you certainly can't lick the cigarette lighter in the car. Dancing on the dance floor can be hours of fun, but rolling on the dance floor will get you stepped on. If it looks like alot of photos this month are on a dance floor, that's because it's true.

His observations are increasingly insightful now as he approaches five years old. He tells me when we're two turns from the next gas station, for example. Conversations go like this:
Jason: "I have this song in my head and I can't shake it."
Nick: "Sounds like you need a checkup. You should see a doctor about that. Have him check your ears."
Jason: "Looks like more rain. Rain, rain go away..."
Nick: "Send it to Texas."
Does he really know there's a drout in Texas? His mama and I aren't discussing it, and the TV isn't running with news or weather.

- Jason

Summer 2011

As Summer 2011 heads for the homestretch, we'll remember it as wet... every weekend in a pool, lake, or waterpark. And in between, the most rain and hottest month on record.

Nick's confidence continues. Again tonite, he interrupted his gorditas (and that's a big deal) to introduce himself to the little blonde girl walking past. They giggle and say hi, and he goes back to his business. At the Waterford Oaks water park, we spent the day with Robin and Miranda and the family, and he was absolutely obsessed with Kiersten, Miranda's little girl - wherever she was, he was determined to be also. He puts his hand on their shoulder or knee, and calmly sweet talks them... about trains or jets. Hey, the approach is smooth, but his pickup line needs a little more polish.

We've moved on from Taylor Swift to Katy Perry, and he has the words to her songs memorized, not afraid to sing aloud.

His vocabulary has expanded rapidly, and should continue when he starts school at the local Montessori in a few weeks. He tells me, "A good host never frets, and is always kind to his guests," and "Now, Daddy... moderation." Not sure he knows what these mean, but he reminds me just the same.

Working to expand his social circle, we've had more play dates, more time with the neighbor kids, and with friend's kids. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not, but he's learning to share a little better, and actually better than many of the other kids. Although, it was a chuckle when Samantha (Brad and Colleen's little girl, who is only 18 months old) had a single toy in her hand, and he accused her of hogging all the toys.

Pics in this post are from July 4 fireworks, the water park with Kiersten, and by the lake near our home. Nick and Samantha playing together is in the side bar at right.

- Jason