Bugs

The summer after Lucas turned 2 (2009) he became quickly obssessed with all things bugs. But Lu had his own name for everything. Roly Polys (or "Pill bugs" as some southerners call them) were "Ball Bugs." Worms were "Candy bugs" (which I assume came because of gummy worms). And Lightening Bugs were "Hot Bees." HE was so interested in all of them, and so totally unafraid that I eventually taught him to not try to pick up bees (and risk getting stung) by having him say "Go away bee!" He thought this was very fun because Lu didn't get to be the boss of anything at 2. So everywhere we went, every picture of a bee or an acutal bee he would yell at the top of his lungs "GO AWAY BEE!"

When he was 3, I began taking him on regular hikes to find different bugs. This is when I realized just how sensitive he is to life and the feelings of others. He was always very careful to return bugs where we found them, "So him can go home to him's mom." And if ever an insect got hurt while we were observing it, he would come up with some sure-fire method of fixing the boo-boo. It usually involved dirt being put on the bug and Lu singing "It's ok bug. It's all ok."