Dad you have to see this!

Oh Mr Ian, you are still quite the gregarious and funny little man.  Within minutes of my return back to Chez Rea I hear "Dad, you have to see this!"  Whether I've been gone a week for work, or a few minutes for an errand, it's absolutely critical that I observe your latest feat of acrobatic prowess.  It could be a wicked summer salt after full sprint over a couch cushion or a flying leap over the back of the couch, otherwise known as the "work" wall.  This is actually an attempt to refer to the "warped" wall on our current favorite TV show American Ninja Warrior.  You pretty much always make it over the wall but when you don't, it's usually intentional in order to add a bit of drama to this incessantly repeated acrobatic feat.

What I love is that no matter how many times you show me your stuff, you're still as incredibly enthusiastic as the very first time.  I in turn never get tired of watching, your enthusiasm is absolutely contagious and I absolutely love that about you!!!  For the past year I've been worried that you would grow out of your inate exuberance for just about everything.  I'm happy to say that while the object of your excitement continues to change and mature, your level of craziness remains the same.  You have my promise that I will do my best to encourage that approach to everything in life.  Why mot make it fun right??!!!

There might be one small instance where it's gone to your head...at gynmastics while you were waiting in the lobby with mom, you got into a "discussion" with another little kid and mom said you told the boy "everyone knows that I'm the funniest so let's go...".  It was probably true but we'll have to make sure we teach you a bit more humility.  That was definitely an isolated incident and was sorta funny when it happened but definitely not a trait we want you to expand upon. :)

You're still a bottomless pit of energy and can go go go without food it seems.  It's definitely a little draining trying to keep up with you but I love it.  I love playing with you and chasing you and trying to "get" you.  You totally love whenever we play "Dad, try to get me".   We can play forever and it seems you never get bored of it.  Dad tends to run out of gas but I don't think anyone would blame me if I couldn't keep up with a 4 year old!

We celebrated your birthday this year, your 4th, up in Seattle with friends and family and it was great.  No "formal" birthday party but a series of get togethers to have fun celebrating your birthday.  I love how you articulate all your funny thoughts and have zero filter.  It's just a job listening to you and you aren't hard to hear with your loud voice for all the world to hear.  Many a times out in public I see people smile after hearing your antics on how you totally love the grocery cart or something otherwise mundane, save your 4 year old description.

Stay that way buddy, I know I tell you that all the time.  I'm hoping it sticks.  Love you tons!!!

-nick

Your first cone!!!