Thursday, October 9, 2008

Searching for Tractors

Austin and I love to play a version of I spy when we are in the car. Either he, or I, will name something as we are leaving, and for the remainder of the drive we try to spot as many as we can. His favorite thing to look for is tractors. Thankfully, they can be "tractors" of any variety including riding lawnmowers, otherwise we would likely not spot very many.

He is really in love with all things tractor related and his favorite thing is when the field below our house, that surrounds our development, is mowed. Because, this is what mows the field.

It takes hours for the tractor to mow all of the open space around the community, and that is exactly how long Austin would happily sit there and watch.
He watches it come and go.

It used to be when the tractor was out of sight, he would cry. Now, we talk about listening for the sound of the tractor coming closer so that he will know when he is about to see it again. He waits and listens, often asking, "You hear that Mommy? Where is a tractor?"

Every time he sees the tractor coming it is like the first time. He jumps up and down and says, "Look Mommy a tractor, a tractor!!"

The guy who drives the tractor has noticed that Austin stands on the deck and watches him. He waves to Austin every once in a while and that is definitely the icing on the cake. It makes me laugh when he tells me "the farmer" waved to him. I guess in his mind, if you drive a tractor, then you are a farmer.

He has actually gotten to sit in the tractor before. Our neighbors, whose family owned the farm the development was built on, still live in the original farmhouse. The tractor is stored in their barn. They have a son a little younger than Austin and he is equally tractor obsessed. One day the dad let Austin sit in the big tractor and then took both boys on a ride on his little tractor, otherwise known as a riding lawnmower. He told me that one of these days he will arrange for Austin to get to ride with his friend who does the mowing of the fields. That will be the highlight of Austin's year.

But, for now, he enjoys the simplicity of watching and listening for the tractor.

It is truly one of his favorite things and brings him pure, simple joy.

I know that when he goes to sleep at night he dreams of...


PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

25 comments:

Lindsay said...

What a cute story! I love it when kids will sit for even the simplest of things like a tractor, and watch for what seems like hours. So sweet.

I hope you guys are feeling better soon - maybe all this illness means you'll be good and healthy all winter long?! Take care of yourselves!

Anonymous said...

There is nothing in the world quite like that pure excitement.

To be a kid again!

tiarastantrums said...

oh, that was a really sweet post!

Chris said...

That was a great story. What is it with boys, and their machines?

Jessica said...

I love the things that excite boys. Cute Story!! We live on a golf course and my boys get soo excited to watch the mower tractors too!

earthlingorgeous said...

Awwwww! He looks really fascinated! Maybe thinking how does that truck go and will I ever get to drive one too? That is such a sweet story! Love the photo of the field too very vibrant colors! Nice photostory!

Unknown said...

What a sweet post!

When we were little my grandpa would hook this big wagon type thing to his tractor and take us for ride all along the property. I loved it and it created such wonderful memories!

I can't wait to read all about it when he gets to ride on one! I know he will remember that forever :)

Rachel said...

He is adorable! I grew up on a farm, driving tractors as soon as I was old enough. I think little boys and tractors are a great combo!

Photo Story Friday -- Dueling Parents

Alex @ I'm the Mom said...

Super cute picture of your son watching the Tractor. What an awesome I Spy game too! Wow.

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

Such a sweet story! His face is full of pure joy in that photo. You can tell he's all about that tractor! Fantastic PSF!!

Anonymous said...

aaaahhhhh....nothin like a boy and a tractor.

LOOK AT THOSE John Deer pics of yours!

stunning!!

Leslie said...

I love that first picture! Eddie too loves tractors. What is it about them? I wonder how many little toy tractors you have laying around your house? We have a few. love the pics~ :) ((Right now I'm laying in bed with my laptop. I begged dh to stay home and take care of the kids today. Ya know what?? he did!!!))

amanda said...

i am right there with austin! i sooo love tractors and big machines.

kinda weird for a grown up huh?

but super cute for him :)

Cecily R said...

That is just so sweet! That look on his face is pure bliss!

And LUCKY mom to have something that captures his attention so completely for that long!!

By the way, GREAT colors in your shots!

Anonymous said...

I love that every time it comes back it is as exciting as the first. Oh to see life through the eyes of a child again. :) Thankfully our kids can give us that perspective when we forget. Beautiful captures of the moment.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

oh so sweet! my nephew jack, loves tractors and big trucks! super fun for him...thanks for your adoption kudos!

Weeksie50 said...

I love how they get excited over the little things..How sweet.. Oh, to be young again..

Kristen said...

Love it!!

Just like Cade, constantly dreaming of tractors. :)

What great memories that is making for Austin. And I love the I spy tractors idea. Might have to try that one myself.

Wendy said...

This was a perfect PSF! I love the way you told the story and the pictures were wonderful too. I could so see your little one jumpin up and down. As I was reading I was wondering if the mower was noticing your child and then you said it! I hope he gets his ride soon. Take a picture so we can share in the event!

Casey's trio said...

What a great post! I know my girls would love to sit and watch the tractor too! The area around your house looks amazing!

Laural Out Loud said...

That is perfect little kid entertainment! And right on your back porch! It couldn't get any better than that.

I hope Mia is feeling better today! It might be too soon to tell, but do you think the antibiotics are helping?

imbeingheldhostage said...

Great story. I can feel his excitement and anticipation. He's sweet! great PSF.

Susie said...

Oh cute story! Me and Sophie get excited about tractors too! GREAT PSF! Really cute pictures.

Clare said...

I love this post! Bradley is totally obsessed with tractors as well. We actually went to a "touch a truck" event this weekend. It is a HUGE fundraiser and it was so cool. They had 30 different types of trucks and the kids could sit in them, beep the horns, it was a blast.

Beautiful photos!!

Wendi said...

Cute story.
Cute photos.
Even cuter subject matter.
(Austin of course!)