The boy's new toy

From the time that Bob found out that we were having a boy, his dreams for his life with a son were coaching his t-ball team, watching him play football, teaching him how to work on a car and the same dreams that many dads have about their son.  When Bobby was a toddler he had no interest in playing with his baseball, golf or football toys.  He also had no interest in playing with his toy tools or his various tool benches.  After Bobby's autism diagnosis and years of trying to build some interest, it is evident that Bobby will never have an interest in these dreams of his fathers. 

They have, however, shared one interest from the time that Bobby was very little.  Bobby loves riding a 4 wheeler with his daddy.  Most days when Bob walks through the door home from work, Bobby goes to him and takes his hand and says "ride". 

(Thought that I would throw in a couple of snow pictures to help get us through all of the heat this week!!)

The two of them can be seen riding around our yard and up and down our hill on the 4 wheeler almost on a daily basis.

A couple of weeks ago, Bob and Bobby set out on their first adventure alone (without Me!!), a 4 wheeler ride on a large piece of land in Preston Co.  The boys had a great time.

(Bob helping Bobby put on his helmet to get ready for their 4 wheeler trip)

When they got home Bob was excited that they had a good time with only a couple of small issues.  I had to burst the bubble and said that Bobby was getting too big to ride in front of him on the 4 wheeler and was not trustworthy enough to ride behind him and hold on.  I said that he needed one with 2 seats.  Well, that was like permission from Mom.  Bob took to ebay and the bulletin board trying to locate the perfect new ride so that they could continue their one shared interest.  After weeks of searching, a new (used) toy arrived at our house last night...

A rhino with 2 seats, including seat belts, doors, a roll bar!!  Notice how Bobby is holding on tight.  He doesn't like new things and he has never riden in the front seat of a car.  It will take awhile before Bobby is loving this thing like the 4 wheeler.  The boys can go off together and ride trails much more safely.