bonding moments

I love having boys.  They're fun, imaginative, sporty, easy to raise, tough, dirty, noisy, wild and crazy, daring, and they idolize their Dad.  Aaron always dreamed of being a Dad, and having two boys just added to that dream.  He loves to throw footballs, play basketball, ride bikes, sing together, play instruments, play video games/board games/card games, teach them how to mow or anything manly around the house, remind them how to be hard-working, respectful, responsible, loving men.  The list goes on and on.  They bond.  They have things to share and talk about.  They can relate to each other.  When a Dad tells a story to his son, it usually starts with, "When I was a young boy like you....".  They listen closely and remember every little detail.  Boys want to grow up to be just like their Dads.  It's amazing, and I wouldn't want it any other way.  As for me?  I take care of the rest and enjoy the ride.

Why go plastic when you can play with the real thing, right?  We've been meaning to get a play mower for Liam since his 1st birthday, but we decided to wait until his 2nd.  Hopefully he'll love it just as much.  Not as cool or as big, but hey.

Aaron went shopping yesterday and came home with a "surprise" for Landon.  Landon couldn't wait to see it, but I think Aaron sometimes forgets that Landon is getting older and surprises should be a little bigger and more exciting.  Aaron showed him his surprise and Landon's reaction was just as I suspected it would be.  "That's it?"  Poor Dad.  At first Landon didn't realize what it was for and how much fun he would have bonding with his Dad while airing up his basketballs (and football).  He was happy.

Liam watching Daddy mow the yard.  He was fascinated.  You could tell he was taking it all in as he stopped dead in his tracks and stood very still.

 

And then I glance over and noticed that something mysterious skipping out of the garage.  A Globetrotter?  A patriotic Richard Simmons?  Oh wait.  That's my crazy kid!

Time to put the freshly-aired ball to good use.

Landon has been a big help to Aaron when it comes to mowing the yard.  He's a very helpful little boy and works hard to please others.  While Aaron was finishing up the front and side yards Landon was raking the excess grass so it didn't burn up in the heat.  I saw him walk around the side of the house with his little garbage bag in hand, sweating like crazy ready to get down to business.  He's so cute.





It almost didn't seem fair at the time with Landon working so hard just several feet away, but Liam was getting tired (and hot) so I thought a nice swing would probably do the trick of cooling as well as putting him to sleep.  Cooling, yes.  Sleeping, no chance.  He was having too much fun to sleep.