Aidan is 3

(This is a revision of an earlier post.)

In the middle of the house hunting portion of our summer, Aidan turned three (on June 20). Who can believe it? We celebrated at Grandma's house in Topeka (you'll remember that that's Doug and Jacob's home base for the summer).



When Aidan went to blow out his candles, someone suggested that he make a wish. So he shouted vigorously and sincerely, "I wish . . . to fight bad guys!" And with that blew out his candles with gusto.

Yesterday was Jacob's 13th birthday (that post will follow later), and Aidan picked up a few more goodies that weren't ready in time for his actual birthday. Aidan also enjoyed cheesecake and raspberry sauce again since that was Jacob's choice for a birthday cake as well. Our family had gathered once again for this celebration in Topeka with Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandma, and also cousins Haley and Megan.

Aidan said another funny thing at Jacob's party. At first, the only one to notice what he said was Jacob, who was sitting next to him. Jacob asked him, incredulously, to repeat what he had just said. And then again, just to be sure, Jake had him repeat his exclamation one more time. By now, we all heard clearly what he said, though none of us could believe it. Do you know what Aidan said, rather matter-of-factly? Here is what he said: "Damnit." He explained that his "strawberries" (actually raspberries) had fallen off his spoon, so he said, "damnit." After we all whooped and hollered with laughter, the most obvious question was, Where had this three-year-old learned this word? Doug and I certainly don't say it! Grandma also vigorously denied responsibility! So did Jacob! When queried, Aidan responded earnestly that he had made up the word himself. I don't think so.

He repeated the word again today when he dropped a ball he was playing with. The girls and I explained to him that this is a bad word, but he insisted innocently that it is a good word. I guess he finds it to be a very useful way of expressing his internal state in the face of certain minor mishaps.

We will continue to make efforts to reprogram this habit. We hope we have success by the time preschool starts next month.

Here's some shots of Aidan's second haul: