This past extended weekend allowed me to live out my fantasy of being an active father to Zyan which allowed both of us to try new things. What one of the main reasons I am falling in love with our new home has been the ready access to so many active outdoor things to do. On 4th of July, I took Zyan to the Tracks at Brea, which is a 4 mile trail made especially for easy hiking, biking as well as running. While we didnt cover the entire trail, Zyan was happy to go along for most of it and then used the outdoor gym as his own playground. It truly surprised me to see many using the trails at 8am on a holiday of all days. Then later on that day, I took him for his first car wash and McDonalds, and what filled my heart with joy was the fact that he enjoyed his orange more than the chicken nuggets. He truly epitomizes his grandfather who loved fruit. Then we ended the day with a picnic with his cousins, and it just made for a perfect ending to a full day.
July 5th allowed me to take Zyan to first non paved hike at Panorama Nature Preserve which is located in Fullerton, an easy trail with some inclines, but the views were spectacular. Watching Zyan stomp around in glee on the gravelly path just made me want to come back again and soon. Then the beautiful wife recommended this gem located in La Habra, and Zyan got to attend his very first Splash Pad. It ended up being a perfect introduction for Zyan to get used to playing in water, and then we ended the day again in a pool where he waded right in as if he was born to be in there. The true fun was not the pool but his interactions with his cousins, and it fills the heart to see them share so much laughter together.
Reflecting over the weekend last night, I realized that Zyan is already building his own relationships with his loved ones, and one that gives me assurance that should anything to either or both of us, he will never be alone. Perhaps a morbid thought, but it still makes my heart full!
