Max is counting. He has discovered and embraced numbers, particularly those related to money. He counts his money daily, and it is a sizeable sum. He is ever ready to add to his stash by doing chores, behaving angelically or being in the right place at the right time. Yesterday, he announced that he was ready to count to 100, "Without even a single mistake." And he did it, twice. And then he continued to two hundred and he concluded that he could even count to 900, except it would mean moving his mouth a lot. He fell asleep under his rainbow, counting to two hundred. He multiplies as well, and contemplates fractions. He also made a book in which he stores his archery scores, "and other important numbers." He memorized our cell phone numbers, and now Geoff and I get calls from him. He calls from under his bed and says "Hello there. How are you?"
How are we? We are delighted. Our Max is growing, and doing it quite well.
William is pursuing his computer interests to even greater heights and depths. How can I elaborate? I can no longer follow the programming and software usage he has adapted. He likes Photoshop, and 3D Studio MAX. He and Geoff converse in the language of the Geeks, and with acronyms and codes. They toss phrases about and understand one another. Along with Alex's skill and creativity for game design, I can see these guys in the early stages of being a successful game company. Max will manage the books, and I will organize the annual Christmas party and company picnics.
Alex continues to pursue a life of balance. He enjoys his time outdoors, constructing huts from the long branches that drop from the eucalyptus trees, and mastering archery. He keeps his camping backpack well organized and prepared for any adventure. Inside, he does his school work diligently. He also cooks, reads, plays on the computer, designs robots and very kindly inquires about my condition. He is always available to help me up from a seat, bring me a pillow, unload groceries, help Max with his school, and more.
When the boys are together, watching a movie, running in the yard or making their robot designs and Lego creations, I am glad. I love to hear their laughter. I love to see their progress and development. And yes, they argue, and they know precisely how to be really irritating to one another. But there are far more hours in the day and days in the week when they are a joy to be with. I am feeling in a Thanksgiving mood, and I can't think of anything to be more thankful for than my family.
1 comment:
Thanks for the great update on the boys. It makes me miss them a lot. You and Geoff should be so proud of them. Maybe Max gets some of his penchant for counting and saving from his Tutu. When I was around 9 or 10, I made a book, and for every dollar of my allowance that I saved, I punched a hole in the book (using a paper punch, of course). I did have a specific goal in mind--a trip with my parents to see Mt. Rushmore. I think I saved about $200. I remember how surprised and please my parents were. And we did go to Mt. Rushmore, although we would have gone anyway, with or without my contribution. Just enjoyed the process.
A Hui Hou. Ruth
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