Halloween 2016

Not much goes through my mind when I sit in front of a piano and begin playing a song. If a song crosses my mind, then I begin to play. For myself it's as simple as counting to 10 or eating a box of french fries. I don't think of which keys to play next or what minor or major chord to play, I just play. It's like walking for many of us. When was the last time you said, "Ok, here we go again with this walking trick... left foot, right foot, left foot..." It just comes naturally right? For some it's gossip. It just comes naturally.

Yet this whole writing deal takes plenty of energy for myself. It takes me 15 minutes just to write one coherent sentence and that's when I lock myself in a room with no distraction. Writing is my weakness. It is why I feel guilty and sad that I am unable to write the small stories of Joey and Ben as I would like to, especially Joey. I feel terrible when Ben repetitively will ask me to play with him through out the day and I give him the excuse that I am attending to Joey's needs or when Joey wants to be held but I must assist Ben in doing something. I am exhausted by the time the boys are in bed and writing is not exactly a walk on the beach for myself. I could sit in front of a piano right now and play "Amazing Grace" in any key on demand with my eyes closed, yet writing is just the opposite. I'm hoping one of these days I could get a few moments (or days) to write more on this blog.

Trick or Treat

It's interesting seeing these two children grow up. A month ago they actively played together and chased each other. They have now reverted to playing along each other and not with each other. It does leave me wondering what the future holds for each of them and how their friendship will alter as each of them change. Will they remain in contact through the years? What direction will each take when they proceed to higher education.

This year Ben was an astronaut for Halloween. On the Friday before the 31st, downtown closes the roads to vehicle traffic so children can visit the local shops and acquire "Tooth Loosen-er." Ben had his first taste of candy so we walked to Whitman College to release his burst of energy. Ben walked ahead of us, well, mostly ran ahead while kicking the pile of leaves along the sidewalks. It's fascinating to see how cautious girls tend to be in comparison to perpetual motion.. I mean, my son or boys in general. As we approached a side street, Ben began to run and she immediately grabbed him to prevent him from crossing the road without looking both ways. I quickly captured a photo of the moment and rushed to help her detain Ben.

"Ben!" I said in firm voice. "You need to listen to her." He immediately looks at her and in a sincere voice says, "Sorry."

It's nice to see how she cares about his safety at such a young age.

The Great Pumpkin

This year for Halloween Traci, Ben and I went downtown to gather up a free year supply of candy from all the vendors. Ben had not slept much so he was not excited to leave Traci's side and she had to carry him the entire time. Since he was feeling weary and tired we decided to buy him a few toy animals at the Inland Octopus and that really cheered him up. Toy stores are the best stores as far as I'm concerned. Although Ben didn't eat any of the tooth-loosener since he is still small for candy, but he did have a good time looking around and seeing all the different kids dressed up. It was really fun.

Esqueleto

Yesterday Ben wore one of his two Halloween outfits. Since he currently fits into them, we figured he minus well get some use out of them. We had a relatively nice day so we walked to the park to feed the ducks and Ben got a chance to chase them around. I will admit that I felt guilty at the end that I got to enjoy this moment with my son so we headed to the park once again later in the day so Traci could feed the ducks with Ben as well. I tell ya, watching Ben giggle as he chased the ducks makes me feel lucky that I get to be his dad. It's also fairly easy while he wears that outfit to find his funny bone. Maybe I should work on putting more meat on them bones.