Articles

Parker loved animals and bugs. Still does. Sophie was very much the opposite, but they still found a common way to play together. When he was about 4 and Sophie 2, they were playing with their Littlest Pet Shop toys and Parker said, "When I grow up I'm going to be a veterinarian and Sophie's gonna be a truck driver!" 

Parker and Sophie were playing outside and digging in the dirt. This was definitely a Parker idea. Sophie liked to play with dolls, but was pretty tough, compared to Parker, who was much more tender. As they were moving dirt Parker said, "I'm the brains and Sophie is the brawns." Sophie exclaimed, "I am not bronze! I'm golden!"

My dad used to live out by Walnut Woods State Park in Des Moines. Many times Zac and I would be driving the roads alone. One night, as we drove with woods flanking each side of the road, a cat ran in front of the car and we hit it. I had never hit an animal before and I didn't know what to say to Zac. I kinda hoped he wouldn't notice. The car was silent until his little voice said, "Mommy, did we hit the monkey?"