Cowboy Up

Alex relished life as a cowboy. For more Halloween pictures, check out the Flickr stream.

Alex the Lion-Hearted

Old Wahoo's second son, Alex, celebrates his fifth birthday today.

Alex has the biggest heart. He idolizes his older brother, he wants happiness and when someone asks him "Who's the best?", he answers, "Everyone's the best."

He is lots of things to lots of people. "Sweet Al" to his Uncle Clark, "Xander" to his ZaZa and "Alex" to his friends. (And "Alexander" when he gets in trouble.)

Happy Birthday, Alex.

EDITED to include picture of the A-Man.

Walk On

Alex celebrated his preschool graduation on Thursday, and he took home the coveted Future Country Star award thanks, no doubt, to his omnipresent blue boots.

Pure Alex

Preschool Prom took place Wednesday, and Alex showed the Good, the Bad and the Hilarious of his unique persona in the leadup to the big dance.

When I picked him up from preschool Tuesday, he showed ambivelant feelings toward the prom, in which the "Big Girls" - the high school students who help teach his class - throw a semi-formal party for all the young kids. Though he said he was excited, he also made it clear that he would not dance. There is no negotiating with Alex.

By Wednesday morning, Alex's ambivelance had given way to defiance. "I'm not going," he said, and getting him dressed took both Old Wahoo and Mrs. Wahoo to the limits of their patience. 

Eventually, he got ready, and Laura made sure he looked sharp with nice pants and a green sweater vest. Plus, Alex wore his blue cowboy boots.

Finally, I dropped him off for his carpool ride to preschool. When we arrived at the Ramseys, Cate was dressed in a beautiful white dress. Obviously, Cate was excited, but another emotion had overcome Alex: fear.

Alex huddled in the car, and turned away. When Cate's mom asked him to come out, Alex said: "I just need a second to get used to Cate's dress."

I think he's ready for high school already. 

Fortunately, Alex eventually got out of the car and off to school, where he said he had a good time.

He even said he danced a little. But not, he said, before he had finished playing with the toys.

Taking (and giving) orders

Alex wanted to do something nice for his dad, who was feeling sick yesterday, so he asked for some orders. After much prodding from Alex, I finally relented and asked for some Gatorade. Alex happily obliged by turning to his mother and repeating my orders (almost verbatim): "Mom, can you give Dad some Gator Ale?" Then he smiled at me and said, "See, I can take orders."