What my dad's waited his whole life to hear

Grandma and Grandpa Rad came from Florida to visit this week and we all had a great, though exhausting, time playing with Mu and Q.  It's so fun to see how the kids react when my parents make their bi-annual (that's twice a year, not every other year - I hate you English) visit: it's non-stop playing, book reading, and overall zaniness for 5 straight days.  Needless to say, by the time they leave everyone (grandparents included) is sad but a also a little relieved.

Yesterday was Father's Day, and having both my father and my kids there was a great way to celebrate the day - especially when my dad and I went out for ice cream by ourselves while the kids napped; two days before, Mu and I took Grandpa Rad to Norm's for a straight-razor shave.  During the visit We talked life, we talked past, and he gave sage advice about family/work balances.  We were men being men who loved their families.

Now my dad is a huge golf nut; I can't stress enough that I am not, and despite playing a round with my dad on occasion, it's not my game.  Nevertheless, the US Open was this weekend.  After we got back from ice cream, the kids were up and my dad settled in to watch the 18th hole of the last round of the tournament.  Mu climbed up next to him, looked at the TV, popped his thumb in his mouth, and studied.  After a few moments of silence, he looked at my dad and uttered the words Grandpa Rad longed to hear:

"Papa, tell me of Golf, please."

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Pop Culture Collision

You can't beat conversations with a toddler.  From this morning:

Me: Hey buddy, who's that on your plate?
Mu: That's Woody.
Me: And who's that?
Mu: That's Woody's horse.
Me: And what's Woody's horse's name?
Mu: (emphatically) Luke Skywalker!

At least he didn't ask me to sing a "Han Solo" song again.  I have no idea how that tune goes.

Here's the thing: Mu hasn't seen either "Toy Story" or "Star Wars," yet.  He only knows of the characters because I tell him stories about those characters.  I think it'll blow his mind when he actually sees them on the screen.

A Toddler's view of Daddy

Sometimes I wake up looking like this.

I was told today that the Mu picked up his Incredible Hulk action figure, held it high in the air, and exclaimed "Oh look! It's Daddy!"

I assume, for my own sake, that it's because Hulk is big and strong, and not because he's bi-polar with an anger management problem.  

Now I'm no Lou Ferrigno... heck, I'm certainly no Ed Norton and I'm hardly even a Bill Bixby, but when I hear that, it reminds me that we ARE the heroes we attempt to be for our kids when we try.  No matter what our size or stature is, we can always give them the security of having a big, strong man around by just... being around; reading to them, wrestling with them, talking with them.  Loving them.

The greatest joy of my day is when I come home and get to grab both of the kids from Lady Rad and play with them.  That should be the greatest joy of any father's, and for those who can't get home from work early enough to experience that joy, I feel sorry for you.  Bringing home a paycheck or getting a promotion doesn't make you a Hero in their eyes - being present and engaged does.

I know the day will come when my kids don't see me as the powerful protector anymore -  we all begin to realize our parent's shortcomings as we get older - but I hope that for as long as possible, I can be the Hero they think I am.

Scatological Report: Jungle Book Edition

© 1967 Walt Disney Co.

After a successful round of potty training yesterday, our little Man-Cub was congratulated on both his #1 and #2.  He responded with...

Mu: "I pee'ed and pooped in the potty.  It's the Bare Necessities!"

In a way, I guess he's right - having a designated place to do your business is one of those simple bare necessities of life!

Yea, Man!

A 2-Year Old's Ode to Spring

Mu: "I love Springtime.  It's warm, and sunny, and plenty of bulldozers."

May your Springtime be full of bulldozers as well!

The Dynamic Duo... through a 2-year old's eyes

Me:  What'cha got there buddy?

Mu:  Batman and Christopher Robin.

Me:  You mean Batman & Robin?

Mu: Yea.  Batman and Christopher Robin.

Who.. of course... keep the 100 Acre Woods safe from the Joker, the Riddler, and very blustery days.