Letters To My Sons | August

Dear boys,

As summer comes to a close, I could talk about how fun it was going to the beach, or the Saturdays mornings we got up early with Daddy to play basketball or the day at the farm when you guys rode in the wooden firetruck. But that's not what I loved most. What I loved most of all was watching your brotherhood grow. You see, this time last year Grey wasn't walking and of course wasn't talking, and I remember looking ahead to the time when you boys could run around together, when we could ditch the stroller and go have some fun. And, well, this summer was it! 

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When talking about your brotherhood I'm including all of the hi's and the lo's, all of the growing pains involved with such a bond. One of the sweeter moments this past month was when I peeked around the bedroom door to find Cash reading one of Grey's animal picture books to him, and Grey trying to repeat the words back. Everyone in the house can't help but laugh when Grey says things like, "Doo Doo" (thank you) or "Boons" (balloons) or "Mo Mo" (Elmo) or when he says "Hi Dash!" (Cash).

That's all pretty darn cute and balances out those other moments when you guys mush against each other like feral rams fighting for my attention, or a certain toy or the window seat on the subway. Or the times when you guys chase each other around the house until someone inevitably falls on the floor, off the bed or couch, then cries and points a finger at the other one. Today it happened on the trampoline and Grey ended up with a bloody nose. It was the first bloody nose of this brotherhood so good for you Grey, you won that one! 

That's life and often times I'll just let you guys work it out yourselves, knowing that part of what bonds you now and forevermore will be these experiences. But I would like to thank you for those contagious fits of laughter, those squeals of joy during our "nae nae" dance parties and games of hide and seek, the tears of pain and frustration and the many smiles that brightened my summer. And most of all, I am thankful for zero trips to the emergency room.

Always & forever,

Mom 

Letters To My Sons | October

Dear Sons,

Well it's that time of year again.  This past Sunday we made our second annual trip to White Post Farm in Melville, Long Island for the Fall Festival which includes hayrides, feeding the animals, children shows, games, pony rides, food and of course, some of the best pumpkin picking.  Your Dad and I only found out about the farm last year after talking with some other parents. I suppose it's one of those places you only hear about once you have kids. Then you discover that everybody knows about it - or at least it seems that way - and has been going with their family for years. Well, Davis boys, we are now one of those families making a visit to the farm an annual October tradition. 

After running around the pumpkin patch, trying to lift the biggest and heaviest pumpkins you could find Cash, you found yourself a sensible seat.  This was probably one of my favorite photos from the whole afternoon.  The brightest highlight for you however, was feeding the animals from the bucket of ice-cream cones filled with feed pellets that we bought.  You spent most of your time with the goats and the sheep (from a slight distance!), sprinkling the pellets all over the ground rather than feeding them from the ice-cream cone in your hand.  I think that was just a little too risky for you, my ever-skeptical city boy.  

 

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Grey, you on the other hand, wanted to get up close and personal with the animals, particularly the dromedaries and the Nilgai antelope - whining for Daddy to bring you near enough to pet them. You'd touch their furry, wet noses and then immediately pull back your hand in a fit of laughter. This went on and on and on. But at least you weren't fussing Mr. Cranky Pants, which these days, is always a relief to us.

Cash, last year at the farm you were three years old and went on your first pony ride. As soon as you realized you would be going around the path without Mommy or Daddy and just the horse's caretaker instead -- you looked scared out of your mind.  Because of this, I wasn't sure if you would get on the pony again this year.  But as always, you surprised us with your determinism.  Although I will say that the entire time you rode around the circle, you had a slightly frozen stare as if you were second guessing your decision.

 

Daddy claims that the farm has one of the best Philly cheesesteaks.  This may very well be true.  I happen to love the grilled husked corn with butter and salt. But we all agree that they have the best french fries - those kind that are double fried, double crispy and doubly fantastic.  Grey, being that this was the first time you tasted them, you kept saying, "Mmmm..." as you licked off the ketchup, sweetly sharing with me and Daddy.  One for you, one for us.    

At one point you turned toward me and I took this photo.  What often strikes me when I look at you Grey Grey, and so many other people for that matter, is your eyes.  I love that here you can see the flecks of hazel and blue, and that inner circle of burnt yellow that makes them so dazzling.  You've got 'em boy.  You've got eyes to make the whole world swoon.     

 

Before we left we had to pick the perfect pumpkin. Cash, that was your job.  After goofing off for some time, being scolded for throwing one too many a pumpkin, you settled down and found the perfect one. Not too big and not too small. 

"Look Mom!  Let's get this one!"

It was just right.  So with our pumpkin, a couple of halloween cupcakes and Grey fast asleep in the stroller, we headed home, leaving just as the large crowds were arriving in typical Davis fashion.  

Thanks boys for making this such a fun family outing. If it weren't for you guys, Daddy and I probably would have never learned about this magical place out on Long Island.  It's just one of the many ways in which you have made our world bigger.

Always & forever,

Mom