I’m living in the convergence zone of a high pressure and low pressure weather system. I have a husband who seeks edge cases and smiles while playfully arguing the most inane technical distinctions on things I didn’t want to talk about in the first place. Like father, like son, Moriarty is doing this more and more. But he’s also in the 9-year old phase of hyper logic and lawyering excuses to get out of trouble. So a low pressure system here, a high pressure system there, and suddenly Logical Hurricane Moriarty has entered the building. I can’t even give an example because my brain just shuts down the minute it starts and I drift off to my happy place. My happy place includes dreams of pancakes, folk music, and no discussion topics beyond which dessert I should bake next.
Moriarty has turned 9. This came with a small increase in allowance, some increase in chores, and about 10,000 Pokemon cards. Last year we paid for a party at a big trampoline place. This year I had the idea that we could go to Legoland with my dad as his big present, instead of paying for 10+ kids at a party center. During Covid lockdown, Moriarty and Phil used to have hours long zoom calls while they built Lego. Dad sent him tons of sets and it was a real bonding point for them. Since my dad is having more health problems it felt urgent to get them together and let Moriarty experience the magic of Legoland. However, Lorelei has no interest in Lego. She wants to meet Elsa and Minnie Mouse. So I had the somewhat hairbrained and somewhat brilliant idea of doing separate kid vacations for their birthdays. I took Moriarty to Legoland, and Pip is taking Lorelei to Disneyland, but just for one day to meet the princesses. That trip will be in April. Legoland was a blast. There are tons of pictures to look at from our adventure. He had a great attitude and came home with several swords and shields (and the myriad of Lego-branded stuff my dad bought him). Aside from the trip, we held a big party at our house. It was loud, but very fun.
Every blog post I write about how much Lorelei has changed, but OMG she just keeps getting cooler. Lately there’s been more creative play where we make up rules as we go. Games like Sleepover where we have a sleepover where we make play food then lay down telling spooky stories, or Family Dance Party Ballerina where we dance throwing scarves in the air and sometimes it involves cars driving around, or the Barbie weddings where the Barbie’s always marry each other. She’s also developed a more complicated understanding of logic and sequencing. Pip has been using the power washer to get the moss off our roof. Last Saturday he planned to make a fire in the small fireplace in the back yard, near the house, and then power wash. Lorelei suggested he power wash the area near the fireplace first, then make the fire so the water won’t put it out. Pip and I were quite impressed at her new higher level understanding. I’m getting the sense that I will be amazed by the new skills the kids develop forever, until I just stand awestruck at the people I helped create.