SWEET BABY JAMES

Right-in-our-own-backyard syndrome

Centerville Canyon.

An entire year of seeing it out my back window, and I'd somehow never ventured the 0.57 miles to the trailhead.

With just the right combo of Spring sunshine and a gentle breeze, today was the day.

The "diem" to be "carpe"-ed.

A brief teaching moment. If I remember correctly, I believe the topic was Why We Don't Throw Rocks At People.

Followed up with a pleasant chat. Mostly about how birds say "tweet", but horses don't say "moo."

Always one to prefer function over fashion, Dad donned these 5-buck beauties, or "gems" I believe was the actual quote. Big enough so he can still wear his eyeglasses underneath. A hard thing to come by.

James and his harmonica provided the mood music for the hike. Dad was thrilled.

Seasoned hikers.

Have there ever been two boys who adore their mother more?
p.s. We were all relieved Max brought his shield and pirate sword along. Just in case.

The grand finale. The parking lot.

Positive Reinforcement: Take #2

Fast forward 12 hours. James is enjoying a breakfast of Honey Nut Cheerios, when I notice him re-living the fun of last night. Here it is.

If he's not sick of the gag, I'm not sick of it. Here, I hop onto the scene and elicit some unprecedented drool-inducing giggles.

Positive Reinforcement

If you think it's funny when I catch peanuts in my mouth, just wait 'til you see me miss the peanut and pretend I'm hurt. Side-splitting.

It sure is reinforcing to know that, come what may, in the eyes of one peanut-loving two-year-old, I'm the funniest human being alive.

The Boat that Hit the Iceberg

Max saw a National Geographic article on the Titanic at my house and can't get enough. He begs for stories, youtube videos, anything, every time he comes over. I asked him how his entire week vacation in Seattle was, and he had one thing to report: "Rebekah bought me a Titanic book."

You may recognize aspects of this video from a prior post. (keywords: James, Max, hit, ignore, time out) This is a different video from the same day, but posted today in honor of the 100-year anniversary of... "The Boat that Hit the Iceberg" --Max. (Who, on the day of filming, took an unfortunate spill at school and hit his nose... I'm sure Rach would like me to clarify.)

Here is a loose text translation, for those who are hard-of-hearing/don't-listen-carefully (Dad).

James: Boat. Boat.
Max: This is a fake one, right. (Period, not question mark, trademark of Max.)
James: Boat. Boat.
Max: I don't want to be on the Titanic.
Me: You do?
Max: No, I don't. Because then I might be drowned-ded.
Me: That's true. James, don't hit Max.
[James gives an apologetic pat-pat.]
Max: Wow, he's been hitting me a lot by the Titanic.

Jonah Begonia turns 1

This little man had a swimming party for his first bday.

James loves being splashed in the face.

Owen does not.

Max, who has never really loved water, spent the afternoon clinging to me.

Or to his one-year-old cousin's birthday present.

James loves water a little too much, so I in turn spent the afternoon clinging to him.

Happy Birthday, Begonia!

As a side note:

After wow-ing us all last summer with a swan dive, and now back by popular demand, my 83-year-old grandma reluctantly let me film her again. She just can't see what the fuss is all about.

An uphill battle

When Joan mentioned biking City Creek, I envisioned leisurely pedaling the curved flat road behind the Capitol. I realized, too late, that she actually meant biking 4 miles straight UP the canyon.

Joan, who works out every day, opted for a lightweight road bike with a 15-pound baby.

I, who do not work out every day, was stuck with a mountain bike pulling a trailer and a 35-pound child. Joan was kind enough to stop periodically to look back and make sure I hadn't passed out or rolled back down the mountain.