We are in Utah on our annual trip, and Scout is the “two year old”.  He has actually been surprisingly good considering he hasn’t had a nap in over a week and he is up until 10:00 or later about every night.  But unfortunately for him, a vacation doesn’t exempt him from discipline.  We have had our share of timeouts, and luckily for me, there are fewer each day.  One reason is because as the days go by, Scout gets quicker and quicker on his feet.  Examples:

#1 — Scout was hanging out with Nonnie when all of a sudden, he fisted up and punched her on her shoulder. 

Me: “Scout….did you just punch Nonnie?”  

Scout: ”No.” 

Me: “Yes you did…I just watched you.”

Scout:  “No….I knocked on her.”

Nice one buddy (just like the big bad wolf), and due to laughing, he did get out of his timeout.  Although we did have a lengthy conversation about synonyms.

#2 — Scout is not allowed to say “no” to me when I ask him to do something.  I am trying to teach him to respond with “sure mommy”, but we have a bit of work. 

Me:  “Scout, hurry and come here so I can get you ready for your shower.”

Scout: “NO!”

Me:  “Alright….automatic timeout!” (Meaning there is no discussion.)

Scout:  With a little smirk and while pointing, he told me “I said nose!”

I was disgusted while my mom just exclaimed, “He is smart!”  Way to validate mom.

He is having the time of his life with his 18 cousins that are here.  Talk about a constant party.  But in an effort to curb the naughtiness, we have implemented a few new ideas into his nightly prayers.  The following statement has been reiterated every night for the past week:

“Please help me to not hit, kick, punch, pinch, smack, spit or say no to mommy.”  I guess we will be adding “knock” and “nose” to the list.