Today Alex’s friend G. is hanging out with us, and I think I would be fine if he stayed forever. It has been, for lack of a better word, delightful. Classic Summer Day.
Lauren has written lately about how difficult it can be when there are kids in your house who haven’t been taught the same things as your own children. Like manners. And respect. And consideration for other people. I can’t even imagine what the last couple of weeks have been like for her, with not one but TWO guests who have pushed the limits of her hospitality. I can see, even now with our three year old, that “company” becomes much harder to navigate when two households have vastly different rules or parenting “philosophies.” And I shudder, just a little bit, when I think of what we’ll have to wade through when Alex gets older.
But today, with G. here, I have just been so grateful. He’s only 3 1/2, but he has great manners. He’s respectful. Doesn’t whine. Isn’t sneaky. Doesn’t push boundaries. He’s just a typical little boy who wants to play with cars and wrestle a little and run outside. And we’re fans of all those things around here.
After lunch I took the boys to the park even though it’s around 145 in the shade (maybe a slight exaggeration, but OH MY it’s hotter than blue blazes). For forty minutes they ran and climbed and took turns down the slide and ran some more. They walked across the picnic table benches like they were on a plank bridge above a river, and they laughed. And giggled. And laughed some more. Then they drank about 30 ounces of water in a single gulp. And started all over again.
Afterwards we went to Dairy Queen to cool off with some ice cream. And as Alex and G. sat on the same side of the booth, hair plastered to their hot little foreheads, I couldn’t help but notice how they carried on like a couple of 70 year old men sitting outside a general store. They talked about TV shows (“G., do YOU like “The Backyardigans”?), what they do for fun (“Alex, do you like to go to the library and get books?”), and the boxing match that was on the television inside DQ. Just a couple of little guys, shooting the breeze. I could’ve listened to them all day.
When we were driving back home, the boys did a rousing duet of “God’s Way Is The Best Way” from a favorite Veggie Tales CD (it’s all the rage now with the toddler set, you know), and they tried to outdo each other in terms of politeness (“YOU take a turn!” “I’m all done – now YOU take a turn!”), and while I know that behavior probably won’t hold when they’re, say, thirteen and having to share an XBox, it was encouraging to see that the beginning of a foundation is there. That there’s something to build on.
Right now they’re upstairs, supposedly resting but actually sitting on Alex’s bed playing with cars (SHHHH – I’m not supposed to know that – they think they have me fooled). Just a second ago I heard G. say, “I LOVE YOU, ALEX!” and Alex reply, “OH! I love YOU, G.!” And while two little boys can make much mischief, and while heaven knows they can make a mess, they also make me feel very blessed indeed.
I think that today has been the very essence of summer. And I think I’ll get back to enjoying it right now.
(By the way. Those two little boys who are “resting” upstairs? I just heard G. ask Alex if he wanted to smell his feet. Apparently Alex did, because he started giggling uncontrollably.)
Ahhhhh. Life is good.
Boomama, the memories of my only son, playing with his little buddies, are still so precious. They were all together a hot, rolling ball of dirt, moving through the house. I still remember this crazy thing they did stringing string all over the living room and tying GIJoe figurines on them to fly through the air – only boys. Aren’t little boys just the best! Full of raw energy, but also this sweetness. You are blessed. I’m sure you already know that. xoxo
My 4-year-old and his cousin of the same age are like that when they’re together. It makes my heart melt!
They sound like little men, don’t they? I feel privileged to get to watch & listen in on my 3 boys. It’s funny, this post reminded me of you telling about your husband & his friend. They never really grow up, do they? Thank goodness. That makes if fun.
Oh, what fun! Sweet little men. This post made my heart skip a beat, as those little conversations are just getting started around here…they are far more rudimentary, but that often makes them funnier!
The last line says it all. I wish I could think of a word other than precious, but I can’t. How about REALLY precious?
Sweet sweet. My daughter says that when her feet are sweaty-kid-smelly that they smell like “pickles.” I don’t think any of her friends have taken a whiff. Good for them. ;>)
Read a great definition of ‘boy’: noise with dirt on it.
Love it!
Chris
How fun! This is the best age, I’m telling you. All that sweet giggly innocence and energy. There’s nothing like it.
Love Chris’s definition. Funny.
We had my nephews for a couple of days this past week. We had a nice time, but I had to do a lot of “training”. They were receptive and responsive, and I’m so glad for that. Would be nice if their parents would jump on that bandwagon.
Why. WHY? Why didn’t I have a third baby so I might get lucky and have a little boy. Don’t get me wrong. I loved loved raising little girls. Ask Addie – she’ll agree it’s pretty special. But when I read something like this and then my sister’s comment, I just sigh and think of what I missed. Thank you, God, that my first grandchild is a boy. Oh how I’m loving him and his already little boy ways. I can’t wait until he brings his little friends to play at Nana’s house. I was a little melancholy today, Boo. Thank you for putting a spark into this evening for me.
My youngest refuses to rest… even when she needs it. There are many days I rejoice when she just stays in bed instead of wondering back into the living room… even if staying in bed means smelling her sister’s feet or playing with dolls!
Oooooh, new stuff up there….Attach an image, hmmmm? Might have to try that soon. ;)
I’ve got a bad case of the warm fuzzies after reading this post, BooMama. Almost makes me wish I’d had a little man, but it wasn’t meant to be. Memories can be tangible things, and y’all are making them right now. Enjoy, savor, treasure, cherish. Repeat often. :-)
BooSweety, (not sweaty, SWEETY)
I am so happy to hear of your wonderful day. See there is hope, some parents know how to raise adults rather than children.
I remember those days, and I’m pleased to tell you that the joy can actually last for many years to come.
what a fun day.
I LOVE your new profile pic!