Rabbit!

Whenever we see 11:11 on a clock in this house, we say “Rabbit Rabbit!” So on this, the day that Lincoln David Merrill turns 11, it seems appropriate to title this blog entry accordingly. Plus, Lincoln, you are rabbit-like in many ways.  You excel at hiding in plain sight, which has scared the heebiejeebies out of me dozens of times, and also made bedtime a challenge this year...if I can’t find you, how can I tuck you in?!  And you dart and dash past all of us when we play outside...you are so very agile and quick...I honestly cannot catch you.  Plus, Yeager loves rabbits, and he definitely loves you!  I could make a few more comparisons, but enough going down the rabbit hole…


So what was the last year like and who are you at the end of the first year of your second decade?  Well, you became incredibly independent and also trustworthy this year.  From walking yourself to the bus in the morning (until tween-dom truly kicked in this Spring which meant you slept later and later and Daddy drove you to school almost every day), to riding your bike around the neighborhood, to playing Xbox for hours with your friends online, to staying home while we run errands, to making your own lunch and sometimes dinner, you are a very responsible young man.  Daddy and I appreciate how you follow our rules most of the time and that we can allow you such freedom.


You also help out around the house...folding laundry, loading and emptying the dishwasher, tidying up your bedroom, and handling bottle returns. With work keeping me so busy lately, I appreciate your helping hands, and Daddy does, too.  (I have to note that you came to work with me one day this Spring and declared that you never wanted to have an office job because my many meetings were such a bore!  You seemed to like some of the technology development stuff you saw, but insist that you will be a professional “gamer”...we shall see...I really hope that as you continue in school you find something else that sparks an interest!)


Speaking of school, you worked so hard in 5th grade this year, and it paid off.  Not only did your teachers recognize your effort and abilities in math and move you to 5A with Mrs. Civale, but Mrs. Scherer was so impressed with your mastery of the clarinet in just six months that she “promoted” you to learn the saxophone, awarding one of two coveted spots.  Daddy is thrilled!  You are playing it really well, and we look forward to your concerts next year.  Sadly, you’ve decided not to continue the viola next year.  I am glad you stuck it out this past year and that you performed at Proctors, though... that was an incredible concert!  Plus, you auditioned and were selected to play the xylophone at the 5th Grade Moving Up ceremony.  You were focused and fantastic.  A natural musician according to your band teacher.


You tore up the court in basketball again this winter, and with your new birthday bike, we think you’ll rip through the woods with Daddy and Greta this summer.  At the recent bike rodeo, we learned about the mountain biking club, which we think you and your sister will enjoy next year.  Speaking of your sister, you also excel at antagonizing her.  She will take your bait every time and then you’ll count down to the firework-like eruption of her teenage ‘tude.  But you also enjoy building Legos together, watching Netflix, designing characters online, and playing archer games outside.  Greta is also a great supporter of your Xbox antics...she will watch you play and cheer you on. 


One of the things I can count on you for is to make me laugh every day.  You are wonderfully funny!  Whether you are hamming it up with your own silly one-liner or repeating something you heard on Laugh USA on Sirius, you have improved your comedic timing this year, and have developed a smart wit.  You and Josh performed the Abbott & Costello “Who’s on First?” routine at the Craig Talent Show to lots of laughter and applause.  May you always find humor in the world and bring it forward for people to hear.


We love you, Lincoln, and hope you have a great year.  Make a wish!!