Since being on our trip, there’s been a ton more family time.  We are often in busy places, with lots of people, and we need to move quickly and stick together, which means we’ve been working on Nolan’s listening skills.

When Jim, Nolan, and I are together, Nolan knows that Daddy is the leader. Though we try to stay close, we do often get slightly separated, so Jim has taught Nolan to always stick with Daddy in a crowd. Jim will say “Hand,” and Nolan knows that means to take Daddy’s hand in a crowd.  

Well, the other day, Nolan and I were out exploring the city together. We were in a busy tube station and walking in a single file line. Nolan was walking in front of me when he reached back and said “hand.”  Apparently, I didn’t respond quick enough because he stopped, moved to the side of the hallway, and in a very serious tone said, “when I say hand, I mean hand.”

It took everything I had not to laugh. He was so serious and sounded just like his Daddy.

I said you’re right kid, Daddy would want us to stick closer together. I took his hand and we continue walking hand-in-hand to the train.

They are already so similar, it makes me wonder what this next 11-months will lead too.