Logan our Little Ham

I'd dare say Logan is our little ham in more than one way. As you can tell by the pictures he is...to put it gently...in the plus sizes. In addition, he is so funny. He tries to make you laugh with his more than obvious fake laugh. He'll squeal, and babble to get your attention, or come up and slap you and then laugh. He is such a delight to have around. I love to see his exploring his world. He is now saying a few words such a bahbah (bottle), mama(mom) da(dad), bah(everything else) as he points. The cutest is that he also knows a few signs. He knows "eat" and "milk" (which means bottle for him). Funny that both the signs he knows relate to food, I wonder if it correlates to his chubbiness? When he signs eat, he tries to tap his mouth but half the time he slaps his face somewhere else, including his ear. I seems to me that he is a smart little tyke, yes I'm biased. For example he has picked up that "see ya later" means "bye" and vice versa and he'll wave by moving both hands up and down without moving his wrists. Its so cute to watch. He has learned that night, night means he gets a bahbah and he'll start touching his fingers against his thumb. He knows what his formula can looks like and will bring it to me saying uh..uh..uh. He gets mad when he can't go everywhere McK and Luke go and thinks he is one of the big boys.

He is definitely a mess maker. He loves to unload the tupperware cupboard, then he moves on to the toy box, after he unloads that, he proceeds to unload the dishwasher and the plastic drawer as he sits in it. I found is so cute but not so much anymore because he is pretty heavy and has sunk the bottom our of the drawer.

McKee was baptized on Saturday February 16, 2008.


It was definitely a busy day but a wonderful day at that. McKee has been so excited to be baptized even before he turned 8, almost to the point of annoying. I didn't realize how much work went into planning a baptism. Luckily every thing seem to fall into place and the whole evening turned out to be so wonderful.

We got to the church early which is an anomaly for us. We were delayed from starting on time due to a very stinky Logan. Linda ran out to the van to quickly change him while I continued to play prelude music. When they returned we got started with the program. After Brenda so kindly helped lead the music and said an opening prayer, Linda spoke on "baptism". She started asking questions directed towards McK. Before McK could open his mouth Luke would shout out the answer. Luke was on the edge of his seat, not taking his eyes of Grandma, waiting with baited breath for the next question. It was so darn cute to see him totally enthusiastic and he even answered every question correct. I guess he is getting this from somewhere, I didn't think he listened to his parents. After a while of this, I started feeling bad for McK because Luke was stealing the show. Everyone was chuckling at his enthusiasm. I even tried to quiet Luke a bit so McK could get an answer in or two, but it wasn't working. When Linda finished I was a bit relieved so that Mck could be back in the lime light, after all it was his night.

He and Mark went into the font. Mark did a good job and only had to dunk him once(thank goodness). We were worried since the last guy he baptized he had to do it over again I think 5 times. When Mark and McK returned from changing their clothes, Sid spoke on the "Holy Ghost". I found it quite entertaining because he told a story about Mark (in front of the bishop and his counselor) about how Mark had bought gas comming home from church on Sunday. Not only did he buy gas, but he went in and bought himself a twinkie (who is surprised here?). Sid went on to tell us that McK called out Mark on his actions and then asked "now how did the twinkie taste?". Everyone was laughing and I was marveling on how my children got to be so smart (of course I can say that, I'm the mom). Its true McK likes his world very black and white. He has a very hard time when his parents tell him "do as I say, not as I do".

Grandpa McKee confirmed McKee. This was Marks idea and I found it so sweet. I think it will make it a very memorial experience for both Grandpa and Grandson.


All in all, it was a wonderful evening. Grandma & Grandpa Thatcher came in from Anaheim. Grandma & Grandpa McKee made the long drive down from Tridell. Russell and Paige came in from LA. It was so wonderful to have family in and I really appreciate their sacrifice to come and support our little family. I felt so empty when they left.

I'm really proud of McKee. He really is such a good boy. I really believe that there is something to him being the first child. He is such a good example and for the most part, the best big brother a boy could be.

McK's 1st Pinewood Derby or School of Hard Knocks?

February 15th, 2008.

Mark, McKee, and I went to the Pinewood Derby on Friday.  We arrived just in time with only a few minutes to have the car inspected, tape on a few weights.  

They introduced Mckee as the newest scout and went through some awards.  Then the race began and McKee's car was to be the first to race.

 

McKee's car was pretty darn fast.  Of course he won the first race... Mark and I assumed.  

But just as it crossed the finish line one of the older scouts called out "Those wheels are not the right wheels"  My heart sank.  I could see Mckee's face go from total elation of victory to devastation and disqualification.  You could see that he was devastated and was trying to hold back the tears.

Now let me get you a little background on what happenend previously during the week.  We were given a pinewood derby car kit that was missing one nail.  Mark went down to the hobby shop and got some weights, nails (which came in a bag with wheels), paint, etc.  I had talked to one of the scout leaders and he had mentioned that the nails of the hobby shop were the same so I didn't worry about getting the exact nail out of the kit.  Not paying attention to what nails came with what wheels,  I carefully aligned the wheels and nailed them as straight as I could to the car.  I was completely unaware that they were not regulation wheels.

Back to the Pinewood  Derby.  At this point, McK could not hold back the tears.  Neither could I.  We went out in the hall and bawled.  I felt awful that I had not paid attention and put on the wrong wheels.  He felt bad because he had been disqualified and he had been accused of cheating when he didn't.  We cried a while and lucky for us no one saw.  Brother Risk was very kind and gave us a second chance and allowed us to put on regulation wheels.  Mark quickly put on the wheels with no time to align and balance.  We raced again and crossed our fingers.  Unfortunately we did not win.  McK was sad again.  Mark saw an opportunity to teach a wonderful lesson.  He said "McKee, you need to learn to be happy for other peoples success and learn from them so next time you will be the successful one."  McK thought about it for a minute, took a deep sigh in, fought back a few tears and took it like a true gentleman.  He is an amazing boy.  One of the things we love about McKee is that you can reason with him.  You can explain things and he understands it.  Before long McK was running around cheering for the others and having a wonderful time.

You might say it was a bittersweet night.  McKee's emotions definitely went for a rollercoaster ride (so did mine) but I wouldn't trade it for anything because the opportunity to teach a great lesson is so precious.  In the end McK got a ribbon for "the most creative".

After the Derby, we took McK to Red Robin.  McK was glowing.  You could see how special he felt.  He said "thank you" probably 50 times.  I would recommend taking your child on a date with just mom and dad.  It's amazing how special they feel.