Last days in Buffalo

Liam,

It feels so strange to be getting ready to leave Buffalo.  While you weren't born here, it is the city where you grew up.  In this little big city, I watched you grow from a little infant into this amazing boy who now talks and runs and plays.

So, I'm making sure that we have a good run of these last days here, with lots of exploration and wonder for you and your sister.  Here are some of the highlights!

Touch a Truck

These are from the local Touch a Truck event, put on by the Children's Museum.  You definitely didn't let a little rain stop you from enjoying your favorite things in the whole world: trucks!

The Finger Lakes

 These are from a little visit out to the Finger Lakes.  You love the water and even pretended to fish with a stick while we were there!

Hiking!

 We have discovered more and more hikes here in Western New York, but this was one of the best.  I also got to try out wearing both you and your sister and it worked!

Niagara Falls

You were a little intimidated by the powerful rushing water this time around.

Buffalo Zoo

You sure do love the zoo and all the animals there.  You can even name most of them!

 Playgrounds!

I still can't get over how much you've grown.  Watching you climb that plastic grid ladder was a sight to behold!

River Time

 A little time in the river is good for the soul.

 Aquarium of Niagara

We were a little late to visiting this one for the first time, but it didn't stop you from having a great time!

Real Life Treasure Hunt

Weeeeebs!

So, if it hasn't been found yet, we have a real life treasure hunt to experience when you're old enough.

It's called Fenn's Treasure, and it has a fascinating story.  Basically, a wealthy art dealer was diagnosed with cancer.  He thought he was going to die soon and he hid a treasure in the woods and left clues.

As of now, it hasn't been found!  So, there is just millions out there waiting for us!

http://dalneitzel.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenn_treasure

Ways you made me laugh today...

Hi Liam!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted anything.  The truth is that I've been home with you every day for a few months now and I've just been a little caught up in spending time with you!

So, this post is just going to be a chronicle of the times that you've made me laugh and smile in just one day... today.  I feel like this will be a way to sum up just how happy you make me!

1.  When I came into your room to get you this morning, you literally jumped up and down in your crib yelling "Dadda!"

2.  After a moment, you grabbed your diaper and gazed at me with a very concerned look, then said "Oh crash."  That's your way of signaling that you have a dirty diaper.

3.  Downstairs, you drove your little three-wheeled scooter into the wall, turned it to balance precariously on one wheel and yelled in a little high-pitched voice of mock concern:  "Ohhhhh Craaaash!"*

4.  You started spontaneously spinning in circles while some random music was playing.  This is your way of dancing.  It is hilarious.

5.  While we were in your bedroom, you dragged your giant (to you) rocking giraffe up onto your couch to give it a hug and then had a really concerned look on your face while you sat there with it on your lap.

6.  When your mother got home from work, you jumped up beaming with excitement and yelled "Momma!" before running over to her.

7.  You cracked up hysterically during the movie Aladdin while the magic carpet messed around with the monkey.  You don't watch a lot of television, but it's really neat to see you actually reacting to the things that happen on it now instead of just staring blankly!

8.  When we walked to Dunkin Donuts this morning, you stopped in your tracks when the train drove by, pointed at it and yelled "Choo Choo!"

9.  At Dunkin Donuts, you voraciously attacked your assortment of donut holes, shoving whole ones in your mouth and then arduously chewing them.  Loving donuts is kind of a family tradition, so it's nice to see it passed on!

And that's just one day!  It's so hard to imagine life before you, little guy.  I know it was still good, but you have added so much brightness to it that I couldn't resist giving you just a little glimpse into a day in the life...

Love,

Dad