Memorial Day 2008

I always think about my papa on Memorial Day. He fought in and survived WWII, and though always a patriot, toward the end of his life he became more and more patriotic. He was a war hero, sure, but he was a true superhero to those of us who knew and loved him. He was the quintessential father figure, and he lived a moral and godly life example for his descendants to follow. I was always so proud to know him, and even prouder to be related to him. Values like the ones he had and lived are so scarce in today's world. He would have loved Dennis. And Dennis would have loved him as well. I'd like to think he can see Dennis from Heaven, and I hope to raise Dennis to be the kind of man he was.

We had a nice day with our friends today, playing on the water in our various vehicles. I actually got to drive my own Sea Doo for the first time ever today, and I love it. I did fall off, but I was right here at the dock, and I knew when I slowed down to dock that falling off was a big possibility. The water was so full of waves from passing boat traffic that I didn't really expect riding it to be so easy, and I know I'll enjoy it more when the water is calm. Dennis did not go out on the water today, but he did get IN the water. We donned our life jackets and floated around the dock here at the house. He liked splashing around, but he got tired pretty soon, and we brought in to take a nap. He napped a good bit today, and he went to bed early tonight. He was so tired out from all the playing and boating and swimming.

He slept with us this morning for about an hour, until he inserted his toes in my rear end during a complicated roll maneuver. Then we were all pretty awake. I discovered that his toenails really need trimming. (for the record, in case you were thinking it, nobody in bed was naked--we're not that kind of family. eww.)

This weekend's newest trick? Dropping things intentionally just to say "uh-oh". We know this because we watch him say "uh-oh" as he's throwing his cup to the floor. We can't get mad because his "uh-oh" is so darn cute! Also, he kept saying "duck" today, and it took me forever to figure out that he was seeing the ducks in the pattern on his bath towel. He said "cheese" when he wanted cheese today, and he got thirsty and said "juice?". It pleases him so much when he successfully communicates with us, and we're so proud when we understand what he says. We kept talking about how cute he is, and he walked around saying "cute" for several minutes. He's retaining so much! Every day he repeats what he knows and adds new words. He still knows what sounds the animals make. He still knows where Mommy's nose and eyes and teeth and mouth and ears are, and he can repeat all these words as well.

Something to think about: today he upended his Noah's ark and all the jumbled up animals onto the floor in one shaking motion. When we immediately looked down at the mess, the animals were all lined up two by two except for two animals that were still in the ark. Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself, and wouldn't have even looked if Allison hadn't pointed it out. Interesting, to say the least!