Poor Anna

Well buddy, your furriest best friend died over the weekend. In case you don't remember her when you are reading this. Anna was a big, no giant, furry cat that didn't have a mean bone in her body. Well, she bit me every now and then, but I still don't think she had a mean bone in her body. In fact, your sister Riley used to sit on her like a horse or lay her head on her like a pillow. Riley was only one then, so she wasn't too heavy. I did stop her when I caught her.

Anyways, Anna used to sleep with you and keep the monsters away. At least that is what you told us. She did a good job for her four years of life with you. You were only four when she past away, she was actually quite older.

We heard her crying at 5:30 Saturday morning. I asked you mom if she could go feed the cats. We switched back and forth on that one. She gave them some food and came back to bed. Later in the morning when we were all having breakfast, your mom found Anna. We weren't sure how or when to tell you. We know that you loved Anna. Then a little later, like within an hour, you asked, "Could Anna start sleeping in my bedroom again?"

She had been outside since it became warm. She always loved being outside more than inside. I honestly believe the only inside activity she liked was sleeping on your bed with you. I say that because it seemed to be the only time she purred indoors.

Once you asked, I needed to tell you. It hit you pretty hard, she was your first lost. You decided that you wanted to help me bury her, but you also suggest that we go the lab of one of your cartoon shows to talk to a scientist about saving Anna. That was pretty hard, I had to keep telling you that she was gone.

Today you're at your grandmother's and have told her about Anna. You have mentioned a few times that Anna is cold and that maybe we could have done more. I think you got that from me. I recognized a couple days earlier that she wasn't well. Your mom thought that she got better after a sick morning, but I wasn't sure. I brought her into the house once and she went back to the glass door and cried to go back outside. I took a garbage bag and put it on the ground, then some towels on top of that. I didn't want the wet ground dampening the towels. I figured this way I knew she would be off the ground and dry. Anna was a very fat cat with lots of fur, there was no way she was getting cold. I had talked to your mom about maybe she went into shock and should have been inside, but after thinking about everything I did, I really think it was just her time.

I know it's hard, but it's unfortunately and good that you'll get over it.

Probably the hardest part for your mom and me was seeing you cry in your sleep. We figured that it was probably a dream about Anna. I hope all of this gets better and I hope this short story helps you in the future when you are on my end.

I'm sorry for your lost buddy. I hope you never forget her. She was a very good friend for you.

-Dad

Hi Logan.

September 8, 2014 and I haven't written in quite a while. Okay it would be better to say I haven't written on your blog for a while, sorry about that. In fact it's been so long, you've had a little sister come along. You made the transition very well with Riley. You and Riley adored each other, we are very thankful. You love to make her laugh by jumping around or playing a game to make her feel good. You see, a lot of kids your age have a hard time with a new brother or sister. They tend to feel that they're somehow left out or their mom and dad will love them a little less. But that's not the case for you. Which brings me to the next topic, your self-confidence.

You young man are super confident, bullheaded, and independent, and for all of that I am very proud of you.

It hit me the other day how self confident you really are; you were watching, "Animal Train," on Netflix. It's about a boy who watches a TV show about endangered animals then dreams about rescuing those animals on a train. Yes, of course there has to be a train involved when were telling a story about you.  ;)  

I said to you, "Look Logan, you are just like that little boy." 

You looked over at me with a stern look and said, "No Dada, I am Logan."

That's when I realized you are definitely going to be your own person. It also made me realize that you will be very assertive in life. These are all traits that you will need, I only hope I can help shape those so you aren't too bull headed (like your mom.;)).  

I think a big reason you became so independent was due to our hikes in North Park. I have always let you lead and pick the way from the time you started walking. (You were a late walker, btw. 13 months old I believe.)

We used to call it, "Logan's way." After a time, everything evolved into "No, Logan's way." I thought it was hilarious, but your mom gets a little exacerbated by it. It's ok, she's still very proud that you are so assertive. 

One day in the park I was trying to get us back to the car because it was getting dark. You, of course, wanted to lead the way. The trouble was, you were going the wrong way. After a bit of arguing and bickering I said, "Fine Logan, you go Logan's way, I'm going Dada's way." You turned around and started down the trail alone. I followed behind you hiding behind trees so you didn't know I was there. I thought that I was going to teach you a lesson about walking off by yourself. The problem is, you didn't look back and didn't care that you were alone. Gah! Did I also mention that you are nearly fearless too?

It's funny, your mom and I have learned to never state something, "Logan do...." That is sure to start an act of defiance. You insist on discussing and negotiating. I'm fine with that as long as it isn't over an important rule that keeps you from getting hurt. Frankly, these discussions we have are good skill builders that you'll need in the future. Well, as long as you don't become an entitled brat, but I don't see that happening in our house.

Oh one last thing, you met Pap pap Prigg. You'll like him when you get older. He's an odd one. He's entertained your big sister Brooke for many years.  

Ok, I gotta go and write a post for your sister's blog. Keep it up young man, I'm very proud of you.

-Dada

Idlewild July 2013

 Storybook Forest

 Getting his hand print done with Pap

 Finally, Riding the train!!

 KiddieLand

 After a long day of riding rides and playing at the water park, Logan zonks out!

Summer Fun

Hiking with Dada

 Waiting for the train

 Logan is thinking "Um, Mom, what are we doing so close to the tracks...I don't know if I like this"

 "Ok, now we are ON the tracks...What the heck is Dad doing Mom!"

 "Oh ya, I climb rocks"

Playing with Dad's sunglasses

Logan's First Tattoo

Yep, that says "Mom." He loved that tattoo for as long as he had it (for about a week). 

Children's International 2013

 We got to see "Aga Boom" a show about three clowns. Logan had a blast, especially when balloons were thrown into the audience. 

 It was crazy! 

 We are waiting for "Dino Zoo" to start, Logan wasn't too impressed with waiting. 

They asked for volunteers, and of course, your dad was chosen. He got to hold a prehistoric dragon fly. Too bad the pictures are blurry. 

 A juvenile t-rex!