For later...

This morning, I was sitting on the couch with my legs cross. Andy woke up and crawled on top of my and laid down on top of me with his head supported by my leg. His legs were curled up on my chest. We just looked at each other and talked until everyone else woke up...
I don't really have a point to this. I just want to remember moments like that when he's too old to do it.

Wascally Wabbit

So, Sunday is Easter.
My mom and dad always made a big deal about Easter. And I was probably 10 or older before I (** Bunny SPOILER alert **) knew the truth about the Easter Bunny.
In talking with friends, many of them never thought the Easter Bunny was real. They got presents from their parents and somebody would hide the eggs for them to find.
At this point, my boys are still believers. (Although Alex occassionally has issues with Santa Claus ... after Tracy talked about where a certain gift was purchased ... and this was MONTHS after Christmas ... that Alex remembered had come from St. Nick. I threw him a line of B.S. that he appeared to buy, but he is definitely a skeptic.
I'm wondering from other parents how and when they told the truth. Or if they ever lied from the beginning.
Anything?

Acting

So, we're filling up the car the other day...
Alex: "Dad, do you see how much money you are paying for gas?" (An early consumer advocate?!?!?)
Me: "Yup, it's pretty expensive. Guess we won't be able to buy any birthday presents this year..."
Andy emits a sound of shock and dismay...
Alex: "Don't worry, Andy, Daddy's just kidding..."
Andy (who immediately brightens up and -- at last check -- is still just 5 years old): "I know ... I was just playing my part."

Tracy and I just started cracking up, but I have to tell you there's a part of me that's really worried about us. I think we're in for some trouble from that one...

Wrestling and/or darts

Some nights when I come home from work, my boys don't even know I'm there. They are so busy doing their "projects" or playing with each other or whatever, that I just don't exist.

And then there are days like last night. I walked in the door and I was attacked by two boys. They first demanded hugs and kisses. And then they wanted to play. Andy wanted to wrestle. Alex wanted to play darts.

The good thing about have two kids is that they are used to compromise and sharing. So, their idea is that we do both ... at the same time...

Not a good idea, I said.

So, instead we wrestled for awhile. This involves them jumping on me. Me flipping them around and throwing them on the ground and then it usually evolves into a big pillow fight.

When we were done (this is usually determined by the first crying fit or the first broken piece of furniture), we played darts. Now, Alex has to stand on a stool to be able to throw (and another stool to get the plastic darts out of the board), but I tell you the kid has aim. We tied 3-3 in our last matches. And I wasn't letting him win.

Guess he didn't get his dad's hand-eye coordination. Good for him.

I hope they never get tired of nights like that. And I hope there are more nights they welcome me home than there are those when they don't know me.

That's what we dads are all about ... hope...

I'm not dead

Haven't had a lot of time to post... Here's a quick summary...

• Stomach flu... (trust me, you don't want to know details!)
• SNOW! ... (All of it melted except for the two snowmen the boys and I made!)
• Bad uncle ... (missed a call to my nephew for his birthday... I'm going to hell, I know!)
• Writing ... (Tracy and I are headed to a 3-day publishing seminar and meeting with agents and big-wigs but we have nothing prepared ... ought to be fun!)
• Frogs ... The last two frogs croaked (I love saying that), so Tracy's aunt got us ANOTHER ONE!
• Butterflies ... Alex ordered two worms that will allegedly become butterflies that we are supposed to then let go... and we're paying $14 EACH for them.
• Mealworms ... another worm that turns into a beetle (who knew?). Not sure where Alex got it, but he loves the darn thing.
• Soccer ... our first practice was snowed out but I'm psyched to start coaching Andy's team with all his friends.
• Alex's teacher conference ... he's just brilliant (must get it from Tracy)
• Award ... whooo-hooooo I took third place in humorous column writing at the Colorado Press Association awards ("I'd like to thank the ... ** music playing **)
• Oscars ... We almost won the Trib contest (Damn that song from Motorcycle Diaries!)
• Mess ... that's our house right now
• Visitors ... my mom and dad are coming soon ... better clean up house!

Guess that's it... I'll try to be better!