3.5 Years Old and Other News

Jacoby is 3.5 years old as of last week. I can't really believe that we're on the downhill slide towards having a 4 year old in the house! He's getting so big and grown up, and (despite some resistence) he's becoming very independent and can do many things on his own now. He's a good brother to Morgan, he's playful, has a great imagination, is very observant, and is a good friend at school. Garbage trucks, fire trucks, any animal that is "dangerous", and rocking out with his guitar are his favorite things right now. He told Justin last week not to touch him when they were on their way to a time-out because he was a "dangerous alligator" and would bite him. (: Jacoby has had to learn some things about our bodies and how sometimes they don't always work right and that's why we have to visit the doctors. He's learned a lot about what it means to be brave. Just before our trip to Aspen he watched an episode of Sesame Street on visiting the doctor. The little boy received a shot and didn't cry. The doctor and his mom told him he was very brave. Since then, Jacoby tells us each evening before he gets his "magic medicine" that he's going to be brave and then gets his shot without crying or fussing. Lately, he's taken to holding Morgan's hand and helping him walk down the stairs. I'm not sure what's more sweet, the hand holding while they go down the stairs together or Jacoby's encouraging words to Morgan that he's doing a good job!

This month went by fast for us. We enjoyed a short vacation, a family visit, lots of time outside, and the transition into new and exciting classes at school. It's been a really good summer for us--just enough activity to keep us out of trouble but not too much busyness. I'm looking forward to the fall and cooler weather, not to mention having Justin finish this yucky comprehensive exam that's hanging over our heads. The boys and I took a picnic dinner to Chautauqua one evening last week while Justin was teaching. They enjoyed playing at the park and eating outside. One of the dads at the park commented on how brave Morgan was, as my almost 18-month old dived head first down a slide probably intended for older kids while following his brother's exact behavior. I just don't know about that child and where we picked him up and how exactly we're supposed to keep up with him!

I had a great time exploring some of San Francisco during the short time I was there Sunday and Monday. Most of my time was tied up with work, but I did have a chance to do a lot of walking and climbing (the hills are just amazing!). I visited Lombard street (the really curvy one), tried not to get run over by the cable cars, went to a few great spots to view the bay and the bridges and Alcatraz, walked along the water front, just happened to stumble across Ghirardelli Square (: , and ate calamari and clam chowder at a really good restaurant. So, it was a fun, quick trip and I think I found a couple of decent possibilities for our board meeting in the spring. I missed my boys a lot--Jacoby said he needed to come with me next time so he could see the ocean.

We hope you all have a great week and Labor Day weekend!