Our big four year old boy....

As a big brother, we couldn't ask any more from Chase. He watches over Max protectivly, maybe even a little over protectively sometimes and he is happy to share anything he has with his little brother. There are moments of frusteration, but they quickly pass and Chase again talks sweetly to his baby who he likes to call Boo Boo, just like mom and dad. Max adores his big brother and the only obvious issue that he has with Chase is that his big brother gives him too many loves : )

I enjoy Chase so much when he works on projects with me. My flower garden was winding down for the year, so I wanted to pick the last of the flowers before they froze and make a nice arrangement for the house. Chase got right in and helped me pick out the flowers that were still in good shape and he helped me pick off the leaves and he even did a really nice job of adding them to the vase. We grew some spearmint this year and one of Chase's favorite things to do is take a spearmint leaf and roll it between his fingers to release the scents. He is so funny because you have to do it the right way or it doesn't smell as good according to Chase.

Last night we had an incredible wind storm that did quite a number on our recycling and trash cans. We all went out to work on the clean up project, but Max decided he wanted to head back into the house so he and I came inside. A little while later Chase came in to use the bathroom. He stopped in the bedroom to say Hi to Max and me as we were cuddled up watching a cartoon together. Before he left to go back outside Chase said, "Mama, you guys look so cozy and I would love to climb up there with you, but Daddy needs my help so I am going to head back outside." It was a little thing, nothing major, but it made me proud of him and it hit me like a ton of bricks that my little boy is growing up.

Before meals at daycare, Chase and his class say a simple prayer to show thanks for the food they are receiving. It goes: "Hands together (a big crocdile snap like motion above your head), bring them down, bow your head and say " Thank you Lord for this food, Amen"" It is such a simple act, but so sweet and I love that Chase has brought this home and shared it with us.