Atticus is three! He had a birthday party at school (hence the crown), and in lieu of another party we decided to celebrate just the three of us in Phoenix for the weekend. We went to McCormick-Stillman Park (a.k.a. the train park) and to dinner Saturday evening, then to a few other public parks and to Fashion Square mall Sunday. Atticus ran wild at the parks, muddying himself up so much that we had to change his clothes before going to the mall. At the mall, Atticus picked out an easter egg bath bomb at Lush and bought a chocolate lollipop at Godiva with some change he and Chris found at one of the parks. He handed the sales clerk his money. The clerk said, thank you; it's yours now, you paid for it. Atticus kept holding the lollipop at him as if he had to scan it or something.

 

 

On the way home, he took pictures of real trains with the digital kids' camera he got for his birthday, and he played with the Gordon he received too. We also got him a Thomas the Tank Engine tricycle and a little basketball hoop and ball for his room.

 

Some of the other gifts he received include a rocket launcher and dinosaur puzzles from Grandpa Jimmy; a Buzz Lightyear game from Ava; a shaving kit and responsibility chart from Grandparents Alan and Jean; a train bag, chef's tools, and clothes from Grandparents Alan and Ginny; and money, money, money from other folks who love him. And he received a McDonalds gift card. I guess he'll be having his first Happy Meal pretty soon. Chris hopes it's his last too.

 

Now that Atticus is three, I asked him what sports or lessons he's interested in signing up for. I suggested an assortment of musical instruments. I suggested basketball, even baseball and soccer. He said, "I want to play football." "Are you sure?" I asked. Little kid tag football, no big deal, sure. But please, please, don't let him play football in high school. The heat, the concussions, etc. etc.

 

We're going to visit some friends tomorrow night. The husband/father has been working out of town for a few weeks now, and they're having a rough time with him gone. When I first told Atticus we're going, he was not happy about it. Then I explained the part about Thomas's dad working out of town and his being sad about it, and how we were going over to help out and give them some company, and then Atticus changed his tune and suggested we bring some of his birthday cake over to cheer them up.

 

Something Atticus said a few weeks ago that I meant to write down:

A: "I'm going to eat your feet."

Me: "How will I get around without my feet?"

A: "Daddy will carry you."