Fun with Big Brothers

Porter joined us for part of the summer. It was great to have him. At first I was worried about my ability to handle three children when I was still adjusting to having two, but Porter actually made it easier. He and Matthew played a lot, making my job of entertaining Matthew much easier. Matthew loved having his big brother around.

The funny thing about the two boys is how much they act like brothers, even though they don't see each other that often. They played like brothers (swords and lightsabers as the favorite) and they fought like brothers. Who knew that an eight-year old and a two-year old could find things to squabble over? But they did: swords, lightsabers, pennies, food, etc. . . It actually made me happy to see them play and fight, because it meant that they were interacting normally, like brothers do. Brian and I want them to feel like natural family, not awkward and stiff as if Porter were just temporarily inserted. It really felt very normal and easy to have all of us together.

Some highlights of Porter's time with us included his baptism and his birthday party. We can't believe that he is eight years old already.

Brian and Porter at Porter's baptism in San Pedro, California.
July 19th, 2008.


Porter's Indiana Jones Birthday cake. I have found that I really enjoy making cakes for the kids. This year, I said that I would just make a plain sheet cake, but I got carried away. It looked awesome (if I do say so myself).


Porter got to eat the giant rolling stone part of the cake. The stone consisted of cake crumbs and frosting that a smooshed up and rolled into a ball. Essentially it was a giant cake wad. I have to say that there is something about a "giant cake wad" that is extremely unappetizing.


Porter wanted a squirt gun fight for his party. Most of the adults declined the fun, but Porter, Matt and Maggie are lucky to have a dad who is a kid at heart. Brian joined in the water fun with gusto--whoever marketed these as kiddie pools, never met Brian.