shoelaces

Back in July when we signed Loudoun up for Kinder, they gave us a sheet of items he should be able to do before starting class in September. He knew how to do everything on the list except for tie his shoelaces. At the time he had slip-on Vans, so we just figured, "eh, he'll learn when he learns, no biggie."

So, yesterday after we returned from our Fresno trip (which was fabulous!), I realized both kids' tennis shoes were pretty dirty from playing in a muddy backyard all weekend, and they were getting a little on the snug side anyway, so I took them both shoe shopping. Rick got a nap. Lucky bum.

We ventured out to Target, hit up the shoe section, and tackled one shoe aisle per kid, until we found great shoes that each one liked. It really didn't take that long actually. The longest part was Avalon trying on every HUGE pair of sandals, but at least she recognized they were all too big and was happy to accept the tennis shoes I found for her in her size.

Loudoun's picking was pretty easy, too. He quickly passed by the action figure tennis shoes (THANK GAWD) citing they were too childish. I pointed out the cute black and white skate shoes, relating them to the pair daddy has, and he was sold. He jumped to the floor, tried them on, and affirmed that these were without a doubt the pair he wanted. A Target trip, in 15 minutes, with 2 kids, I couldn't believe it.

He spent the entire ride home saying how much he loved them, and asking if I thought Daddy would like them, too. When we got home, Daddy took on the task of putting in the laces "just right" and asked Loduoun 1) if he wanted the red ones or black ones, 2) did he want them crossed or straight across and 3) did he want them to tuck inside or did he want to tie them.....WHY TIE THEM OF COURSE!

How will I do that?
Is it hard?
How long will it take to learn?
Can you teach me?

Oh the excitement was echoing through our entire house. So Rick sat down and taught him right before bedtime, and he took the pair to bed with him so he could practice. He called me into his room after bedtime to show him one final time to make sure he was practicing right. He fell asleep with the shoes right next to his pillow.

This morning I called Rick to see how my family was doing getting ready for school. His report: Your son got out of bed the second his alarm went off at 7:00am (never happens) and was dressed with shoes on (and tied) at 7:03.

His innocence and excitement are pure joy to watch. This is why we have kids. These moments. He's my Bubba. The best Bubba ever.