Shriners and Scouts

First time in a high chair at Utage!  We went at 5 and had the place to ourselves.  
We don't go anywhere without Sohie these days.  Now I get what all the fuss is about, he LOVES that giraffe!

I saw my first Shriner of the season, with his red Fez and all, at the four way stop right by my neighborhood.  I dang near stopped the car and got out and hugged him.  Instead I frantically searched for my wallet in the back seat, and made a mental note to get ten ones to put in my glove box.

It was so good to see his friendly familiar face.  That's his corner, and over the last three years I have come to adore him.  He's pleasantly plump like my dad was, and equally as silly to strangers.  Although he is much older, I can't help but think of my sweet daddy every time I see him.

I also had the incredible pleasure of speaking to the MOST polite 9 year old boy I can ever remember meeting in my life.  I know his parents must hear it all the time, but I just couldn't quit telling them what a pleasure it was to meet their young man, and how impressed I was with his manners, demeanor, language, behavior, you name it.  The mom was of course way too modest for her own good, but also told me what a difference the Scouts program has made with him.

This was music to my ears.  I will never force Hardin to do anything.  But I'll sure nudge him in that direction.  I have always been so jealous of the Boy Scouts.  For all of the fun things they got to do, and also because my church let them wear their uniforms one Sunday every month, while I was stuck in a dress and uncomfortable shoes! 

The love continued into high school, where my friend and I joined the coed teen Adventure group.  We did all sorts of rock climbing, kayaking, spelunking, camping, etc.  We also volunteered a lot with the Boy Scouts to teach them proper techniques for those adventures.  I loved working with the youngins as much as the other stuff, and I'm actually am the only girl I know that was awarded a little college scholarship from the Boy Scouts of America for my community service with them.  I sure hope H man loves the Scouts as much as I do.

Finally, I wouldn't say that he's quite got it yet, but he's certainly liking the solids more.  He makes the most hysterical monkey faces when I feed him. 

Yes, that is a Miami Dolphin bib.  Jason still loves Dan Marino more than any other man in the world.

Mmmm...  Prune Cereal.  Still sticking his tongue out a little instead of letting stuff in!