Hoarders and clowns

Lately our house has felt a little bit like Hoarder's Paradise.  Trey is going through this weird phase (god willing it's a phase) where he wants ALL of his stuff in whatever room he is in.  This is usually the living room or the deck, but it's super annoying and SUPER messy.   I'm a little embarrassed to post these photos, but there's really no other way to give a good visual.

It started right after we got back from our Fourth of July beach trip.  

He wanted all of the pillows in the house and all of his shoes (???) out by the tv 

along with a bunch of his toys.   

I think Bailey is here by accident.  

Trey usually doesn't want his "crazy dog" around his stuff. 

Playing on the deck 

 Trey doesn't normally even look at his puzzles,

but on this night he wanted them all out 

along with all of the pieces mixed up in a pile.  

On this morning I refused to bring any more toys out to the living room, sat on the couch, and ignored him.  The next thing I knew, Trey had dragged out his boxes filled with toys which are in the entry way.  I don't think he could get them any further due his TENT and his ROCKING HORSE being in the way.

And now we are on to Legos.  

One might say, "Well, Kristin, just pick them up and/or just don't let him bring out any more stuff."  That sounds like a good idea until a) he has a tantrum and you have to spend the rest of the day with him fighting over it or b) he just dumps them out anyway or c) you just don't care until you have guests over.  

Recently, we went to a birthday party for Sarah's son, Kai.  I was so impressed with Trey who I normally think of as shy and reserved.  He kept his eye on the bouncy house until it had fewer kids in it (like none) before he was willing to go in, but then he kept wanting to go back again and again. 

Mostly, I was impressed with him during the clown's performance.  Trey sat right up front, had a huge grin on his face, and even got up to chase the clown around with a spider.  He had such a great time, and I love watching him when he is so happy.  

Trey is in the red striped shirt.  

No problem separating from Mama in order to get closer to the clown! 

Trey sitting next to Kai and Zander 

Trey jumped right up to grab the spider that the clown threw, 

and then he chased the clown around with it. 

Giving the spider back to the clown 

Mesmerized

Trey and I have spent a lot of time together this summer bonding. 

He's definitely one of my favorite people to be with.

One of my favorite parts of summer is being able to visit with friends.  I have been having so much fun seeing people - with and without Trey.  

Meeting Lily, Sam's new daughter 

Trey with Ardis, one of his favorite psuedo-grandmas 

Ardis, Dora, Trey and myself at a lunch party with Woodburn friends 

I love seeing Trey with Ardis and Dora, 

two women who had such an impact on me while I was teaching in Woodburn.

We have been having a lot of fun in our backyard thanks to our awesome summer weather.  I could sit outside all day long, and luckily Trey and Randy feel the same way.

Practicing fishing 

Practicing something else...