Wanted: A Full Time Village
This past weekend we attended a boat cruise with our Sea Ray Cruising Club at Port Orchard. Everyone seemed to want to take Aidan - which was certainly a welcome invitation to unload mini-me and allow someone else to entertain him for a while. Now, to be honest, Anya does 90% of the entertaining and for my 10% I'll play with him until my arms get tired then put him down to crawl around and play with his stuffed animals. Regardless of this fact, I'm still happy when someone comes up and offers to do 90% of my 10% and so it was this past weekend.

Many a club member offered to take Aidan and entertain him for a bit. Whoever came up with this 'It takes a village...' but was on to something. Aidan enjoyed being carried around by different people, getting a change of scenery while his parents are able to socialize without having to constitute watch after Aidan at the same time. What a deal! Aidan was able to visit other people, crawl around on other boats, drool on any number of rugs, feet, and upholstery up and down the dock. What a great educational and brain stimulating experience. When Aidan was returned to us he had obviously been on a boat with dogs given the amount of dog hair collected on his shirt and had apparently kicked one kind club member in the mouth and given her a slightly bloody lip. Well, at least we know his legs work and are getting stronger.

A number of club members commented on what a good baby Aidan is and I would have to agree. This particular weekend Aidan was a great baby. Rarely fussing, only crying at inopportune times as we went through the locks but never on the docs during the weekend. By this time next year he'll probably be driving the boat to the next village gathering.