What a fun-filled summer we have had watching you grow like a weed. July and August have flown by. We took you for your first fireworks viewing on the fourth of July. We found a great spot without a lot of people or traffic and we could see several of the fireworks being displayed all over the Roanoke Valley.
You've had excursions bowling and to the movies with Daddy on his days off. I love to see the smiles on both your faces when you come home from these fun outings. We also went to a Japanese Steakhouse where you got to see the food cooked in front of you. You really enjoyed this, especially when Daddy caught the shrimp in his mouth.
We've gone out to Hollins a few times. It was really fun to be there when the Children's Lit program was happening because there were storybook characters everywhere! You've been getting pretty good at throwing the Frisbee so we've taken it out there a few time and played on the lawns, just the two of us, but also a trip with Daddy too. It is wonderful for us to go back to the place where it all began for our family.
We went out to Troutville for a Tractor show with Dalton one Saturday morning. You all got to sit on a lot of different tractors, play on some fun playground equipment and have ice cream.
A common theme this summer has been water play. You had water camp at preschool, which was such fun to reconnect with all your pals. We have gone to the fountains at Elmwood park several times, most recently with Dalton. You've found joy playing in streams on hikes, water play on the back deck, and splashing in puddles through the neighborhood.
Of course playgrounds have been high on the list for outdoor activities, we have to go really early in the day or late in the evening to beat the heat. You've mastered what we call the "spider web" at your playground this summer. I just can't believe you are big enough to do that. You and Daddy went over to Smith Park one day and you both enjoyed it so much you took me back a few days later. Lots of cool things for you to explore and right on the greenway so you could ride your scooter too.
You've had some grand adventures with your grandparents this summer as well. Time at Papa Tate and Beba's house has been full of morning walks with Becca, playing in the backyard, and my favorite--the gift of a giant dinosaur mask that actually roars when you wear it. Beba and Papa have been on some fun adventures of their own to Alaska! But when they have been home they have come to church with us to sit with you (you are so well behaved in worship, thank you)! Grams and Papa Bass have also had you at their house a few times over the summer. They took you on a train ride which you loved and most recently they took you on a hike and to Luray Zoo where you saw some rescue animals.
Last week we made our long awaited trip to Emerald Isle. This year you were not afraid of the water at all. From jumping into Ida's pool to splashing in the ocean waves, you were awesome. As always, you were fascinated to see the horses in the barn on the Wright Farm and tried your hand at driving a little four-wheeler around. It delighted you to go out on the boat and look over the edge at the water, feel the spray on your face. Eventually we just stopped carrying your bucket of sand toys out to the beach because you played in the surf the entire time. We also had to bring home lots of seashells. We made several attempts at fishing with your Paw Patrol pole, and you and dad built a mega fort in the den of the beach house. We had dinner with our family one night and another night with Corinne and Jeremy. Your dad and I talked a lot about what an awesome, well-behaved, and sweet child you are. We feel so fortunate you are our son.
At the moment we are at the cabin with Grams and Papa Bass--an impromptu trip to the mountains. Dad and Papa have gone into town to Lowe's and you are helping Grams pull weeds in the yard. The cabin is sunny and quiet, with the mountain air occasionally punctuated by your sweet voice calling out to Grams and playing. Yesterday Uncle Ray came and we spent the day enjoying the sun, riding your bike and watching wildlife. There were also two rousing games of Corn Hole. You have spent your evenings roasting marshmallows by the fire.
You will return to school in a few weeks, in the Pre-K class. You are now one of the "big men on campus." It is hard to believe that next winter we will register you for Kindergarten. I know by then you will be ready. I have to wonder as I see friends sending their children off to their first days of school if Daddy and I will be ready by then too.
I titled this blog post, "Reaching For The Sky" because I've had some good inspiration lately. Earlier this month I got to travel with my girlfriends to see Hanson play with a live orchestra. A new song they wrote for this project is called "Reaching For The Sky" and it talks about a boy who has this dream for himself and how he will keep striving to achieve all he aspires to be. Last summer you told your cousins that when you grow up you "want to help people." This summer you've been telling me that when you grow up you want to be "a firefighter and a daddy." I think you are well on your way to achieving all you put your mind to-and not just because you are stubborn! You love to be a helper (on your own schedule though) and you are so caring of other people. And, you remember everything! If we could just get you to stop wanting every toy you see, I think we'd be all set. Haha! Anyway, I hope that Daddy and I can continue to give you all the tools you need to keep growing into a compassionate human being--because the world needs more of those.
As you ask Daddy all the time, "is that cool?"
We love you kiddo,
Mom
P. S.--sorry this is two months in one (again) we are just too busy having all the fun in between adulting. :)
