Survivorman

These, my dear friends, are the faces of optimism.  After six weeks of preparations, these young men are setting off on an adventurous three days of "Survivorman".  Armed with only a backpack, sleeping bag, and a knife, they are off to conquer the untamed world.


They camped in groups of two on spots of land they picked out on a 120 acred wilderness site.  Due to the protestations of this worried mama, I insisted that dad give them all a bottle of water so they wouldn't drink out of the creek.  Unfortunately, some did anyway.

Some made elaborate shelter....some, none at all.  All were very cold.  Their elaborate noose-making failed to catch any rabbits.  However, the neighboring farmer distributed the 8 ducks he killed that morning.  By the end of the second night, some compassionate scout leader brought them some pizza, lol.

Yes, there was a lot of bravado before they left and a lot of excuses when they got back, but it will be a long-lasting memory.  They had a blast regardless of their "survivor" skills!

The Shakedown

Ethan may be behind his peers academically.

Ethan may not be able to talk like the other kids around him.

Ethan may still believe in Santa.

But Ethan is not dumb.

This kid loves

 He loves it so much that his grandmothers have him spoiled with multiple

This week Ethan and Jordan were out of school.  I had no idea what Ethan was up to until today.

Here is the lowdown:

Ethan was with Phil on Thursday.  Around noon Ethan says he is hungry and wants to eat at Taco Bell.  He even has his gift card (what a surprise) that he pulls from his wallet.  Smart kid - always be prepared.  So Phil takes him to get three tacos (his standing order).

On Friday, apparently, he was with Jordan.  He pulls the same request.  Voila - three tacos!  Happy kid.

Saturday he was with me.  We are pulling out of the bike shop and he says he is hungry.  He wants to go to Taco Bell.  I am thinking to myself, why not - it will be special treat for him!  Plus...he has his gift cards.

When I pull up to the window to get his order the young man at the window shouts out "Hey there, Taco Man!"  I look at him surprised.  He proceeds to tell me that this is Ethan's third day in a row to come get his "three tacos."   Ethan and the drive thru guy are now buds.  (I was a little embarrassed at our bad parenting :-)

After enjoying his tacos for the third day in a row, Ethan veges out with an episode of Psych - along with his other best bud.

My goal this week??  NO ONE takes Ethan to Taco Bell!

Santa

Last night my 13 year old son enthusiastically embraced the arrival of Santa.  I do not lie when I say Ethan will always believe in Santa.  I. Kid. You. Not.

However, he is becoming a little more street-wise.  After all, a kid who loves Santa so much can definitely tell when it is not the "real" thing.  Ethan came back from his visit telling (signing) me that "Santa flew down to Church, but it is Santa's grandpa." 

As excited as Ethan was though, he remained a gentleman.  He got in line pretty quickly for the visit, but began letting the younger children behind him move on up.  Sweet boy.