I did a post like this on my blog on William’s second birthday. In the middle of a busy autumn schedule for the Bennion Family, Walker’s birthday, though not forgotten, got a little lost in the details. I was thinking about him today as he and his older brother have been spending the weekend at Uncle Neal and Aunt Meleah’s place.
The weekend of his birthday we all made a quick unexpected trip up to Utah because his great grandpa (PaBob) was in the hospital. So we jettisoned plans of a big Thomas the Tank Engine party round the pool and drove through the night to Utah. While we were up there we ate his Thomas the Tank Engine birthday cake that we packed up in one of the Stow and Go compartments in our car. He got his first drum set (which I have a sneaking suspicion won’t be his last). We enjoyed the unexpected opportunity to share his birthday with Grandma Steph and his aunts and uncles in Utah. They spoiled him wonderfully with love and attention and everyone had a grand time.
I love this kid and unfortunately he gets lumped in with Will and not recognized for his unique and wonderful qualities.
I love the way he cuddles… especially with his mom.
I love the way he wakes up and crawls into our bed.
I love that when he smiles it feels like a blast of sunshine.
I love the way his body carries on the conversation that his vocabulary fails to.
I love that in his world everything is a drum.
I love that he would eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
I love the way he asks me for a story.
I love the way he sings (especially his ABC’s – see below)
And most of all I love that he is everyday the wonderful surprise that he has been from the start.
It seems a silly question to ask, but sometimes I wonder. I was at my children’s pediatrician’s office and I picked up a copy of Scholastic’s Parent & Child Magazine. It was the June/July 2007 issue, and on the inside cover it had a full page Subaru ad with a maze that teachers could copy and use in their classes. on the border it had a section which read:
Dear Teachers and Moms,
Every Subaru vehicle is designed to help us protect your children.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Subaru vehicles are recognized for their important safety features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded Subaru more Top Safety Picks than any other brand.
Every Subaru vehicle comes with the safety of All-Wheel Drive standard and the balance and control of a powerful Subaru Boxer engine, giving you the confidence you need to handle the many field trips life has in store. Always Ready. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
It went on to list the features of the Subaru Forester. Now in reading the ad as written above nothing in it suggests something that would be of unique interest to teachers or moms. Last I checked Dads are interested in vehicle safety for their children as well… As I was reading the magazine I began to read the magazine I noticed that the articles and ads were geared toward moms. I think it is sad that Dads don’t take enough interest in these type of magazines that the editors and advertisers gear their content towards mothers. Maybe they should rename the magazine “Mother & Child”, or maybe we dads ought to pick up one or two of these magazines and start asserting our interest in them. I can’t be the only father interested in tips on improving my parenting…
I have been wanting to post this video for a long time – but with all of the other fun and adventures we’ve had, I have always had something else to post!
However – tonight is one of those kick-back nights where I find myself trying to find something to do. Oh sure I’m doing the laundry, just cleaned out the fridge, and got the boys to bed…but still, I’m a tad bored. Maybe it’s because Eric is working late and we usually do crosswords, watch a movie, or yap our ears off.
So here we go – now you all get treated to this magical video! Both Will and Walker are at phases in their life where their imaginations are wild with activity and their learning ability is ripe. I LOVE it. This is the best time to be a parent – and an observer.
In August Eric and I put the boys down for a nap – and decided to do our favorite activity…OH GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF THE GUTTER! We played Trivial Pursuit. It is by far one of my favorite games…even though Eric kicks the patootie out of me every time.
During the game Will woke up from his nap – came out and joined us. Within a few minutes of watching he was ready to take over. And here is what happened (watch round 2 if you are short on time):
