I Belong

I'm back in Arizona, dotting every last I and crossing every last T on dad's stuff.  Closure is close at hand.

But I am also enjoying a little bit of family time while I'm down here.  A good majority of my dad's side is around here.  My grandparents migrated from California to Arizona, and the family followed.

The more I hang out with my relatives, the more I realize how much I fit in to this family.

I talk to the TV from time to time.  I retort commercials and banter during sports games.  Not nearly as bad as my dad, but I do.

Dad didn't do it nearly as bad as my Grandpa.  Hoo boy.  It's entertaining to see him scrutinize commercials and call people names during Wheel of Fortune.  It has diluted from generation to generation, but I laugh when thinking of my boys doing this as they grow older.

...not nearly as bad as I do... heh.

I also have a bad habit of unbuckling my seatbelt too early.  I pull on to the street when driving home, and I'm already getting ready to jump out the door.  Sometimes earlier.  I just noticed today one of my uncles does that too.  It made me smile.

And, of course, like dad I love me some claw machines.

We're also a stubborn bunch.  In different ways, but we all seem to do things our way.  And that's how it is.

I see these things more clearly now than I am an adult.  Either by nature or nurture, we all share similar habits.  Some more than others, but it's obvious when you see us all together.

I love my family.  I'm definitely not the mailman's lovechild.

Unsolicited Kid's Product Review: Kiwi Crate

I love online subscription services.  I have both Manpacks and the Dollar Shave Club, and am very happy with both services.

Minimal cost, good value, free shipping.  (plus, I love getting mail)  It's addictive.

Which is why I decided to sign my two boys up for a service for them.

(quick background:  I'm a long-distance dad, living 900 miles from my boys.  I call, write, and visit when I can.  Every 'touch point' I can create is valuable and keeps the bond strong.)

Kiwi Crate is a monthly delivery service for children.  You input the name, birth-date and gender of your child (or children) and the KC team designs and ships an age-appropriate box in their name.  Crafts, projects, toys/costumes, all following a different theme each month.  (This month's theme is 'Wonders of Water' - perfect for summertime!)

Space Exploration:  New themes every month

Since I have two boys and there is an age gap (5 and 7) I did the 'sibling add-on' to make sure there were things for both kids, and to make sure they both had activities they could do.  My 5er is advanced for his age (since he shadows big bro) but better too much than too little.

To see other crate themes, you can go to the sample crates section on their website.  Colors, dinosaurs, and more.

But take away the cool activities and the fact I'm doing it for my long-distance kids.... remember when you were a child?  Remember how cool it was to get something in the mail?  With your name on it?

I loved that feeling.  LOVED it.  And my kids are the same way.  They'll be getting this once a month, and it will mature as they do (again, always age appropriate).

If you have children or young relatives, give Kiwi Crate a look.  Prices start at under $20 a month ($16.95 to be exact) which means I have 4 less lattes a month.  Money well spent, to get them away from the TV or Jetpack Joyride, if only for a few hours...

In fact, I have a 6 year old nephew.  He may be getting a cool surprise in the mail next month.  (Why didn't I think of this before??)