Lachlan loves dinosaurs. He’s been studying them in school and now has become one. If you observe recess any given day, you will witness 4 foot tall T-Rexes attacking each other. We frequent the science center for many reasons. Not only can you chat with archaeologists carving out recently discovered bones, stare up at the gigantic dinosaur replicas looking down at you, dig for bones, but also watch Mr. Bones from a safe distance. A man who walks through the museum “wearing” a dinosaur skeleton can be slightly intimidating to young children close up. At home, we read about and paint pictures of dinosaurs. We also pretend to be them in non-scary ways. My T-Rex is friendly and runs from people his own size. And sometimes giggles.
January was our coldest month, which isn’t always the case here. Because this winter has been mild and far from meeting average snowfall amounts (54 inches), we enjoyed snow when we got it. It didn’t stick around for months like last year, and we got lucky enough to enjoy a decent snowstorm the day before Lachlan and Darby’s cousins arrived by airplane. All four kids are close in age, so it got a little loud around here! Everyone did well playing together, and that’s all that matters. Local stores sell earplugs by the bagful. The first day my brother’s family was here, we went sledding at our neighborhood hill. Big L’s technique was going downhill backwards or have Dad spin him in circles as he went down. Note: My son is nuts. Mom’s sled faced forward. 
Throughout the week, we visited the zoo, science center, and an indoor amusement park chock full of inflatable and climbing structures to get those wiggles out. One special evening, we took Lachlan and his cousin, Jillian ice-skating for the first time. Only 2 miles from home, the park opened last December. We waited until they got here, so we could all enjoy it together. Not your standard ice-rink, this ice trail forces everyone to skate the same direction. Makes the experience far less intimidating, painful (because you’re going to fall and someone will fall on top of you), and overwhelming. During zamboni time, we stayed warm by the firepit. Then Lachlan couldn’t wait to get on the ice again. Let me mention the best part of the night. It’s called a safety gate: 
A large plastic box supported on 3 sides, allowing you to easily skate inside the open side AND NEVER FALL DOWN. Ice-skating is fun but hard. The skates feel weird, your ankles don’t bend, and that ice is slippery! You have no balance without something to lean on. Lachlan and Jillian weren’t sure what to think at first, but soon they got the hang of it and went around by themselves. Actually, Big L skated beside me that first loop, and I never saw him again until it was time to take his skates off (minus one zamboni forced stop). This kid was flying. No fear. Put a set of skis on him, and big boy will be on the blues with Dad his first day on the mountain.
February was a tough month. Dad required surgery in another state, and for Mom to be with him, we asked family to fly out and take care of the kids. Both kiddos were already sick, which made life that much harder on everyone. I was gone 8 days, and Dad flew home 3 weeks later. Having never been away from our children, this was especially hard on us. We skyped every night up to surgery and loved seeing the kids on a computer screen. Lachlan talked nonstop about what he and Darby did that day, what he ate, and loved showing us his art projects. Unfortunately, his sister didn’t handle skype well. 18 month old babies can’t grasp how Mom and Dad is there but not really. Until Mom walked through the door, sobbing and holding tightly her two very special Valentines, Lachlan was the man of the house. You can’t expect perfect behavior the entire time you’re away, and I was informed the few times he tested his limits. And we talked about it. However, all we put the kids through, I’ll let some bad temporary behaviors slide. 
I’m very proud of my 4 year old son for being patient, helpful, responsible, and a loving brother to Darby. 
To celebrate Lachlan’s exemplary job as man of the house, Dad and I separately brought home chocolate rocks from a specialty food market. I can’t thank my own Mom and Aunt enough for coming out during this difficult time to help us at our weakest. The family unit is back together and making the most of life.
As we are close to a two week spring break, Mom is frantically planning activities and places to go to break up what would otherwise be dull days. Usually, spring break is synonymous with snow, but maybe this year the weather will allow us to keep busy outside and soak up more Vitamin D. If that’s the case, add laughter, and you’ve got one happy T-Rex.
Livin' la Vida Lachlan 