This was the third time Grammy and I brought you to Disney World, but it may as well have been your first because you were only three years old last time we went in 2007.  You really didn’t remember what it was like to fly… and had vague to zero recollections of the whole experience.

You were smiling, laughing and filled with energy when we all met at Manchester airport on Saturday March 10.  In fact you said…

“I’m so excited I’m going to pee myself!”

Here’s a photo of you, Emma and Camden by the big wooden moose at the airport:

On the flight down you said some funny things:

After the pilot gave us an update you said:

“We’re only in New York City.”

 

When we hit some turbulence you said (rather loudly):

“Wheeee!  May Day! May Day! We’re going down!”

 

That’s probably not the best thing to say on a crowded flight during rough air… ha! But out of the mouths of innocents often come some amazing – and hilarious – things!

You had a blast sitting next to Camden on the way down, staying busy with all kinds of projects, in particular video gaming!

“I’m excited about going on the airplane because it’s been a long time and I don’t remember what it was like.”

 

“I like it when you stay at our house.”

 

“I’m anxious to go to Disney World.”

 

“How long does it take to get there?” (Me: three hours) “Emma, it’s three hours.”

 

“My score on Scrabble was 365. That’s the same as the number of days I go to school.” (Me: you mean days in the year?”)  “Yes, days in the year.”

 

(Me: which part are you at in the Harry Potter book? Has he gone through the wall yet?”)  “I’m not there yet, but I’ve seen that on the movie.”

 

Your Mom and Dad went out to eat the other night and we hung out at your house.

After your brother and sisters were in bed, we let you stay up later, huddling together on your sofa.  Grammy and I agreed you probably were thinking we had no clue what time it was.  You never let on, but you were probably thinking something like… “They obviously have no idea when I’m supposed to go to bed… they are so much easier to fool than my Mom and Dad.  This is so cool.”

Or something like that.

I got my iPad and we played Scrabble which you love… you’ve come a long way since January when we first started.

Tonight you beat me fair and square 365 to 280.  Yikes, I’ve created a monster.  At the end when there are only a few letters left, we stuck the letter U next to every possible existing word, hoping to get lucky.  We’d say the word out loud and laugh at the ridiculous words and sounds we had created.

You leaned against me the whole time we played… it made me feel good having you close.   As you get closer to your ninth birthday, it gets harder and harder to steal a kiss or hug… the moments are rare.  So tonight was a special night.  You’re my best buddy and we’ve recorded a lot of miles together.

On one hand it’s hard seeing you grow up so fast… makes me sad to be honest.  that means I’m getting older too.

But on the other hand, it’s cool being able to have real conversations together and do things we’ve never been able to do before.  With so much commotion always happening, the quiet moments when I can hear you express your thoughts are very special.

Can’t wait for our trip to Disney, Orlando, Lego World and Universal Studios. I’m anxious to spend time with you… see your expressions… observe your reactions…and hear your comments.

We’ve taken you to Disney twice before, but this time you’ll remember it.

Only four days left! We’re gonna have a blast.

Emma:   Why does Papa go on airplanes all the time?

Ben:  Because he travels around the world to take pictures!

We played another sweat-filled Sunday night Hockey Battle Extravaganza tonight – it was you and Camden vs. me and Tim.

I got over-heated (literally) as I usually do, and took off my jersey, playing in my white t-shirt.  You guys followed suit, but not having any t-shirts, you both went “skins.”

Tim and I were soundly defeated after a double overtime game… and the two of you bumped chests as you boasted, bragged and trash-talked.