quality papa time

Nathan took some time off work these last 2 weeks just to have a break. We didn't go anywhere special or do anything adventurous. He just wanted to have a chance to not go to work everyday. We played all our board games, we watched movies, we went for walks and played in the back yard, Nathan and I stayed up too late most nights, and Levi rewarded us by sleeping in. Whenever Levi and I needed to run errands Nathan would tag along and make it sillier with his silliness. It was evident from day one that Nathan was so relieved to have some days off. He was extra goofy and playful. Like a kid being excited about summer vacation. No wonder so many men in the world are grouchy. They hate working!
Levi and Nathan got to play together so much more than usual, naturally. It was really a special little time for them. It really is sad that Nathan doesn't get to see every moment of Levi's life like I do. So, I stood by with the camera for two weeks ready for all Kodak moments. Here's a little jam session they had together.


Levi is multi-talented switching from guitar to drums in the middle of the song.

Nathan is always looking for things to put Levi in. I don't know why or where the fascination comes from, but Levi enjoys it too...as you can see.



Levi loves everything that Papa does. Just as he loves bikes because Papa rides one, he also is immediately interested in a golf club and ball. When Nathan gets his out, Levi goes and gets his. He always picks up all the balls and places them in front of Nathan so he can hit them. He even found a stuffed dog he has that is a puppet to put on his golf club because Nathan has a golf cover that is a golden retriever head. That's dedication.





One morning we played cards, so the poker chips were out. once we moved on to another game we let Levi play with the chips. Next thing...the table is framed in them! He does like to line things up. And usually turn them into a rode to drive his car on.

I think he gets this game from Nathan because he is always arranging everything that's around him to line up or make a pattern or be color coordinated. They're funny.


Levi's been doing lots of new things that indicate he is becoming a big boy. one of them is to play pretend with puppets and make them talk. Mostly they say "Hello." I know they shouldn't watch too much TV, but educational videos really have their place. He has learned many things from Little Einsteins and Micky Mouse ClubHouse. He started putting his little fists up to his eyes like binoculars when he's looking at something far away. He learned that from Little Einsteins. Of course, his fists are closed so he can't actually see through them, but still... Also, he started marching because they taught a marionette puppet to on one of his shows. He marches up and down the hallway saying, "March March March March." It's very cute. And he looks a little like a Russian guard cause he really kicks his legs up when he marches. Nathan says he might get kicked out of the military for his son marching like a Russian, but I encourage it anyway.

He's continuing to talk more and more. His sentences are becoming more polished and complete. He not only tells me what he wants, but he also says what he doesn't want. For example the other day he said, "No orange. I want apple Juice." We're able to really let him tell us what he wants or needs instead of having to control everything. It's fun for him to grow and become his own little boss. Clearly it gives him a little too much of a sense of power sometimes that has to be addressed, but it's still fun. I am so thankful that I am able to stay home with him and focus all my attention on making sure he becomes the kind of person that God created him to be.




This last picture is a video so be sure to press the play button to watch Levi's first somersault!