One Direction

I went downstairs to give Evan books to return to the library and a piece of paper he needed. He pointed to the place on the floor for the books. When he saw the paper, he said great. And then he casually pointed at the door without making eye contact. It was gentle, elegant, and effective - a refined dismissal.

Evan in Heaven

We finally made it to Universal Studios. Harry Potter Land was not as big of a hit as seeing his real life heroes in real life.

First Evan discussed superpowers with Captain America. Mainly, he bragged that he could fly. Then they both did some power poses.

The Green Goblin asked if Evan knew who he was. Yes, he did. The Spider-man ride was a highlight.

Evan and his nieces and nephew

Evan loves kids. In theory. And in small, quiet, controlled moments away from his possessions and when he is not listening to music or watching a movie or playing a big kids game. Evan is loving and protective and considerate.

In Florida, we were getting ready for the kids to come down and we were rocking out to Selena and Bieber. Evan brought up a concern about whether the music he listens to would be appropriate for them or not:

Evan: Oh, Brigham. Eden and Dean don't like Justin Bieber.
Me: Evan, neither do we.
Us: laughter and apologies

Evan also enjoys teaching younger and less experienced people. I think he has experienced enough tutoring and explanations to want to pass on to the next generation. During dinner, Evan began testing Eden's math skills. She was getting a lot of his basic elementary number questions right, so he raised his game to advanced topics learned at university.

Evan: What is Florida plus eight plus Wisconsin?
Eden: ??????????
Evan: It's math. In miles.
Eden: ??????????

Signs

Evan loves signs. Birthdays must have a birthday sign. Returning from a mission must have a welcome home sign. Graduation parties must have a congratulations sign.

Knowing this, since I drove up to Boston before he flew up, I made him a small sign that said, "Evan. Welcome to Boston!" I colored it and hung it in a visible place.

When he walked in the door, Evan read the sign and asked, "Who is Evan?... Oh, is it my name?"

Evan's Birthday

Evan is a planner. He loves schedules. Evan thinks ahead and figures out what should be done and when.

His birthday is the most important day of the year and it is planned days, weeks, months, and even years in advance. We had restaurants selected for dinner in 2015, 2016, and 2017 while we lived in Washington DC.

Evan also plans gifts. He texted our cousin what he wanted a month ago and he has shown me multiple lists.

Soon Soon Soon

Evan just asked me who's birthday is next. Punk. It's his birthday in less than a week.

I responded by saying, "mine!"

He was not amused. He threw up his hands in disgust and said, "no! It's mine!"

So I asked him why he asked then. He didn't respond.

Another Late Night Emergency

At 1am, I woke up, but I didn't know why. The house was dark and I didn't hear any steps. Then the door bell rang. Then it quickly rang again. And immediately again and again and again.

I went downstairs and checked the back door. Nobody was there. I went around to the front door and Evan was outside with a flashlight.

"I cannot find my cell phone charger."

We went to bed and I gave him mine the next morning.

I not sick

Evan doesn't just fight sickness, he vigorously rejects its very existence. He adamantly denies his runny nose, frequent cough, and rubbed-red face. Evan refuses to go to bed on time, take a nap, skip work, leave a party early, or miss an important social event. 

To compensate, Evan tries to be extra cheerful and positive. Instead of hiding his symptoms, it makes him seem like he is a happy drunk. He smiles more. He flirts more. He gives more hugs and pats on the back. Evan spreads his sunshine - while wiping his nose every minute, coughing like a smoker, and looking like he's about to keel over.

Me: You have a cold!
Evan: I am not cold. I am warm. It is cold outside. 
Me: Touche.

Whose birthday is next?

Roughly once a fortnight, Evan asks me whose birthday is next. I list off all of our siblings, parents, nieces, and nephew in order. He listens patiently until we reach January 12th. At that point his curiosity ends. Sorry Julie.

The result is a kind of like a hit list countdown. "One more sibling down, two nieces to go 'till it's me!"

He gets impatient in March, because it takes a long time until I say his name. Summer is good because my mom, brother, and I all get out of the way quick quick. He really starts asking in September. He forgets when Dean and Eden's birthdays are - they've upset the order of Parker to him.

Finally we get to November 1st. Then his birthday is "soon."

A Big Meal

Evan has hollow legs and can really pound down food. But, he also believes that digestion requires a quick nap on a couch after a feast. After two full plates of Mary's delicious dinner, Evan went to lie down on the couch and let things digest.

Mary: Evan, do you want dessert?
Evan: No. I full.
Mary: We're having ice cream.
Evan: Two scoops please.