This is the picture of a 4 year old after biking in a state park for 3 hours, going to the beach for 2 1/2 hours, and swimming in a pond for an hour. Poor Tommy literally crawled into this chair yesterday afternoon and collapsed. It's amazing what this little boy does in a day, and what I take for granted.
With #1, and really, even #2 and #3, an hour or two at the park would be considered a 'big day out'. I bragged about teaching my toddlers to put away their clean laundry. Tommy could probably do the laundry if I asked him. When we are doing a family house clean, I think nothing of handing him a broom, and asking him to sweep off the porch, and know he will do a decent job of it too.
Our older kids weren't riding a 2 wheeler until they were 6 or 7 years old. Last year, our 4 year old got her Dad's wrench out of the toolbox herself and took her 3 year old brother's training wheels off, because "He's too big for these!" By that afternoon, he was riding it on his own. And now these two are riding on bike trails, following their older siblings for hours.
I love being in a place where they are all so independent. I love having no bottles, or strollers... being able to go places and do things without carrying anyone. But every once in a while, I remember how young they still are. And I am amazed by what they do.
The other day I asked Tommy if he wanted to run to the store. He looked at me very seriously with his big blue eyes, and said "but mom, I don't know how to drive."
Beautiful!
You certainly are raising a crew of independent and creative youngsters.
You and Fitz are to be proud of yourselves for that!
And, this picture sure says it all about Tommy's day, hey?!
Posted by: Janet | June 27, 2007 at 08:27 AM
He's beautiful. I think younger children have more opportunities for independent action.
How do you set your picture size?
Posted by: Julia | June 27, 2007 at 11:47 AM
What a great summer you're giving them. The last paragraph reminds me of the old Art Linkleter show. He used to say, kids say the darndest things! The awe and appreciation in this story is wonderful.
Posted by: Larane | June 27, 2007 at 05:14 PM
I'm amazed at what you do!
Posted by: Fitz | June 28, 2007 at 09:10 AM
Wow! Does Tommy know about the Farmer's Market on Saturday or the singer who used to be a Monkey who is singing at Memorial Park on Tuesday night or the Community Band in Memorial Park on Wednesday? I am sure that bikes are preferred vehicles in all of those locations!
The photo is priceless! Do you guys line the kids up by size for an annual Christmas photo? My Dad always did that and we always groaned, In retrospect, I am so glad he did that! Seems like a good idea, and especially dramatic for the larger families and photo-savvy families!
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 28, 2007 at 10:47 PM
Julia, I just upload pics straight from my desktop... I think typepad sizes them automatically.
And Elizabeth, I have a Christmas picture from when Tommy was just born, withthem all lined up on the couch. It is hysterical, and Tommy looks like a little elf doll thrown in there as an afterthought.
Posted by: Denise | June 29, 2007 at 09:28 AM