Lost in Space: Astro-Todd, Episode 2

Episode 2 of Lost in Space: Astro-Todd, where we follow up on the two warring parties and find out that their impatience was based in lack of mutual understanding. Cultural differences between frantic five hour energy and almost-opposable thumbs nearly lead to a galactic war. If only other world leaders had Astro-Todd to help them through their differences. Unfortunately, while worlds apart are finding common ground, things are tensing up on the homefront, where we find a kindness competition in progress. Who will win? Find out here...

"Sam" didn't market well

Had guacamole and salad for dinner, while the kids picked their favorite sandwich with carrots. The guac bowl must be guarded at all times, or the four vultures swoop in. After having my fill, I allowed the kids free reign to the remainder of the chips and guac.
Eliza and Garrett lost no time in eating and chatting through the guac process. Discussing guacamole and saying 'guacamole' is just about as much fun as eating it.
"I love avocados," Eliza says.
Struggling with the 2.5 seconds of silence within the conversation, Garrett asks, "Dad, is this really called 'guacamole'"?
"No Garrett, it's called 'sam', but no one would ever eat it with that name. I've been lying your entire life about this, and I am sorry."
Silence.
Eliza breaks it, "I like the name Steve."

What I want for Christmas, by Garrett

These wishes by Garrett Bowling are as follows:

1. Mater Pillow Pet
2. Blay-blay. (Beyblade)
3. Mack, the Lego tracker trailer
4. Ninja Legos
5. Things requiring batteries

Is it focus, or lack thereof

After a late night adventure with Dad and Eliza (in the car at 10:30pm, asleep at 10:45, in bed at midnight), and the morning spent at church, Garrett was burnt, just barley functioning, ready for a nap.
"Upstairs, and directly to bed," mom ventures, in what seems to be clear instructions.
Twenty minutes later, as we hear a door open and close, Maggie finds him in his floor playing with Legos. "To bed with you," she shoos him under the covers, head on pillow, lights out.
Ten minutes later, finding him up again, Maggie's patience begins to get tested. But as evolving parents, we try reason, "Garrett, you are very tired, you are grumpy and are crying too much. You need to go to bed. Garrett, (we assume that starting every sentence with his name helps Garrett realize that we are specifically talking to him), you went to bed late last night, were up early this morning, and will be up late tonight. Tomorrow is a school day, and you need some rest. I want you to get in your bed and go to sleep. Do you understand?"
"Uhm, yes."
Three seconds pass.
"Mommy, I have a question." 
"Yes"
"Can I get up and play?"

Magic Skills

Sitting at the breakfast table this morning, trying to estimate if it was time to head to church.
Bowling dad, "Garrett, go tell me what the clock says."
Garrett heads over to the microwave, "eight, dot-dot, twenty-six."
Eliza chimes in, "Is that a five or a two, because they look the same."
Garrett responds before anyone can interject, "It's a two. I can tell, because I have Magic Skills."

A Rose by any other Name

Upon his arrival in our home, Garrett was force to learn his new name (as were we), as well as learn the various secondary names that may be used at any given time. Early nominated contenders (grouped by theme) included:

• Alabama - Forrest 
• BBQ Cook – Leroy
• CCM Artist – Beebo
• China - Hao Ge
• Eliza - Errand Boy
• Emily & Louise - Short Round
• England – Dudley
• France – Pierre
• Grimm's – Tweedle
• Hollywood – McFly
• Italy – Vinny
• Legal – Garrett
• Mexico - Pedro

The selection of a nickname is an organic process. As it turns out, aside from his legal name, Garrett has come to be known as G-man to his mom and Guido to his dad. Eliza still considers him her Errand Boy.

Mind over Matter

A shout out to Garrett and Eliza for learning to ride their bikes on Tuesday. Bowling dad took Garrett's training wheels off this past summer, hoping to spur him on; he just used the scooter instead. But with a bit of Emily encouragement and a helping of his own machismo, G-man picked up the bike, walked to the top of the driveway, and made it happen.

Eliza, distinctly not content at letting her bigger little brother bask in his own glory, quickly followed suit.

By Thanksgiving day, they were twirling through the streets, driveway and garage like a pair of pros.

Bowling Parents are once again grateful to check one more "too young to do this" item off of the list.