Enjoying Lego Exhibits

Even though Dex enjoyed all the intricate worlds and characters made out of legos, he still draws inspiration for his own lego-building from tractor pulls and houses.  No fear of Darth Vader (no clue as to Darth Vader).

 Standing in front of a replica of Chicago.

In front of lego jungle with a little monkey peering out over his head.

Lego Mania at Legoland

Dexy was living out his design, engineering, and construction dreams at Legoland! It was perfectly set up for the build/test loop. Build...

 Test...

Build...

 Test...

 Build...

Test...

Continuing the Collaboration

Dex and his new friend had such success building a pile of sand that they decided to collaborate on a more ambitious construction project.

They used logs and other materials to build a "house".

Dexy learned that sometimes he could be the director but sometimes he needed to the actor if he wanted to successfully complete the project.

Collaboration Takes Communication

Dexy was excited to find a playmate in the big sandpit at the zoo. He learned that he needed to use words to collaborate.

And he learned that other people had words too! They both did a lot of negotiating (Ben said Dexy really met his match) but had a fun time playing together.

And they successfully "built" a pile of sand together.

Fears Conquered: at Least Momentarily

After making it up the climbing tower with some help, Dexy was ready to try it all by himself.

 He figured out where to put his hands and his feet,

 and hoisted himself up and up.

He had a look of concentration on his face but not fear.

Facing Fears: Slow Progress

Defeated by the rock wall, we decided to have Dexy try the climbing tower.  Again, he resisted. He asked Daddy to hold him so he didn't fall. We stood firm and told him he could do this all by himself.

We finally said Daddy would keep a hand on him to make sure he doesn't get hurt if he falls. Ben showed him where to put his hands and feet.

I encouraged him to keep looking up to where he wanted to go. Dexy's face is priceless - he's worried, not sure he can do it. But we kept encouraging him and he kept going.

Before he knew it he had reached the top and was very proud of himself!

Facing Fears: A Flop

Dexy is the only kid in his swimming class unable to get out of the pool by himself. It's hard to watch him struggle and eventually get help from the instructor. It's more a mental problem than a physical one: he's afraid he'll fall. Ben and I decided to try to help him over his fears by taking him to a park to tackle the climbing wall.



Unfortunately, we didn't get very far. Dexy didn't want to do it and when we insisted, he threw himself off the wall without even getting both feet off the ground. Ben's face says it all: it's going to be a long afternoon.