Fatherhood

Patrick's passion for car's continues. He has always loved driving ... or standing on our lap, turning the steering wheel, changing the radio and AC, turning on the turn signals, and cleaning the wind-shield over and over. And never forget honking the horn. He also has a passion for Match-box cars ... all kinds; driving them, rolling them, crashing them ... and now and then, eating them (or making a good attempt at it). I found two of the larger metal cars that I got years ago as a curiosity (did I say previously that we are still unpacking) ... the doors and hood opens; one even has a trunk that opens and steering wheel that turns the wheels. These were a hit ... particularly the Shelby (yes, we like Mustangs in this family) ... and I can see more fun to come ...

As a child (and as most boys), I loved playing with Hot Wheels. Patrick loves to ride his cousin's Hot Wheels trike ... a lot like the Big Wheels I used to use, except this one has buttons that make motorcycle sounds and plays music. A few weeks ago, he got to play with some of his cousin's Hot Wheels cars ... much to his cousin's consternation. I made an effort to purchase some cars for Patrick to minimize this conflict. I have made an effort to locate Mustangs ... there are more out there than I ever remember. He loves them. We push the cars back and forth across the room for hours. These same cars are stashed all through the house and I am waiting for the day when I find one underfoot. Last night, Patrick grabbed on of his cars and came over to me after about thirty minutes of rolling the car. He backed up to me and sat in my lap. Looking up into my face, he smiled and handed the car to me. I knew what he expected ... this is a relatively new game for us. I t...