Zachie-isms

Tonight at dinner we were hypothesizing about what careers our children would choose. Brandon said he might like to be an engineer, an architect, or a concert pianist. Katelyn wants to be an actress. Amanda and Josh are still undecided, but Zachie said he wants to be a "bad guy." We finally talked him into being a good guy and he settled on a fireman. He got really excited about that idea. Afterward I thought I would get his definition of what a bad guy is. He said very matter of factly that a bad guy is someone who shoots bears because they are scary--but not the bear cubs because they are cute. Huhhh? We think he got this idea because of the book we have been reading (Sign of the Beaver) because the characters in the story have to shoot a bear to protect themselves. He listens to everything that happens in our family and does not miss out on a thing.

Later on during scripture study time tonight we were comparing and contrasting Abinadi and Jonah. Zachie interrupted us and told us all that after Jonah got out of the whale he went to the forest and met a cowboy who was capturing lions and tigers for the circus. Huhhh? I am not really sure where he came up with that one, but he definitely makes scripture study entertaining. Maybe it was the jaguars in the picture of King Noah and Abinadi?

Our favorite Zachie-ism is the one when he had a major tantrum because Brian wouldn't allow him to do something (I forget the details.) Brian put him on the stairs for a little time-out until he could calm himself down. When Brian returned to check on him he asked Zachie what happened to make him so upset. Zachie just matter-of-factly stated that he had been having a low blood sugar. Brian said, "Oh is that right?" Zachie said, "Yes, and now I need a juice. No--I mean a chocolate milk." (We try not to laugh because he is so serious when he says these things, but we can't help it.)

We also can't help laughing when he tries to think of the meanest thing he can possibly think of to call one of the kids. The best he can come up with is "Stinky Pete" and "Poo-poo head."

Yesterday he told Brian and me that soon he is going to be big enough to drive the car. When he does he is going to take Daddy and Mommy for a ride and if the other kids want to come they have to sit all the way in the back seat. He is going to have a car just like Daddy's someday.

This is Zach's best cousin, Dallin-friend. It was so fun when he came to visit for a week last month.

Zachie loved the snow at Grandma's house. We realized it was probably his first ever encounter with snow!

Zachie is everybody's best pal. This day it was Amanda's turn.

Brandon babysat Zachie one night. This is what they were doing when we got home. Totally wiped out from all that playing, I guess. They are such good "bruvvers" as Zachie calls them.

Our visit to the new bridge over Hoover Dam.

Zachie is doing really well in swimming lessons. He and Brandon are taking lessons at the same swim school at the same time. Brandon is trying to catch up to Katelyn and join her on the swim team. Zachie is just getting ready for backyard swimming and staying safe near the water. Josh and Amanda will have their turn next. They are already good backyard swimmers.

You go Zachie!

Next week we'll have more photos of some soon-to-be seven-year-olds we know.