Recently Samuel experienced two very significant rites of passage.
I. Overcoming a Fear
While camping, we were able to stay at a spot on the river. We knew Samuel would spend hours playing in the river and throwing rocks into the water. Shortly after arriving, Mike and Samuel discovered that someone had begun to build a small rock bridge over a portion of the water. They decided to work on it and finish it so they could cross the little stream. Samuel collected big rocks and together they completed the bridge.
Once the bridge was completed you had to cross it. Well, Samuel made it about half way and started to panic. Although Mike was right behind him he wanted to either go back or have daddy carry him. Mike asked him to take a deep breath and look how far he already was. He then explained that he could do it and that daddy would be there. After a bit of persuading Samuel agreed to try and keep going. He made it all the way across and when he got to the other side, exclaimed "I did it!" A very proud moment for mommy and daddy.
II. Peeing Outside
Also while camping, Samuel made the step into boyhood where peeing outside becomes ok. After going back and forth from the nasty outhouse several times, Mike taught Samuel how to pee in the grass. He thought it was hilarious. He caught on rather quickly and amazingly had to go to the bathroom every few minutes. Every once in awhile we would look over and catch a glimpse.
Oh...the joy of watching boys grow up!
