On His Way

Layne learned about a new world on his trip to the Midwest. He learned what cold is and the difference between a coat and a jacket. He experienced troll hunting with Aunt Katie, which happens to be a new sport she has developed a knack for. Although it is only an intense make believe game, Layne fell for it hook line and sinker so there is no reasoning with him about is not being completely real (except for "that one time Katie tricked me")

Layne is consumed with anticipation for the time he is big enough to drive Papa's quad, by himself, with nobody watching him. He experienced the other version of oatmeal and realized it is not so great. He learned about cough drops, that as long as Nana thinks they work, they do. He is excited to show his whole class tomorrow the half dollar Papa gave him, as they have been learning about money at school.

Home life has been slow without Layne. I have felt relaxed and calm. There are less messes, less yelling and less stress. More love, more smiling and more productive house work. Although I love him to pieces and appreciate the opportunities I have to learn from the challenges he inflicts, it was nice to have a bit of breathing room for a time. I feel myself getting anxious already, just anticipating his return.