DON'T BULLY A BULLY

So Tobin's established himself as the tough one. We don't usually laud that trait, but the other day I was childishly impressed with his fearlessness.

I took both boys to a nearby airshow over the weekend, and we had a great time. It was a hot day, so when we took a break for lunch (nachos and sno-cones), the boys took it as an opportunity to climb in the short, stubby trees next to the grass. It was only a few feet away, so I let them do their thing as I watched.

Blane was actually in the tree, while Tobin was sort of hanging on the lowest branch. Then another boy whose family was sitting nearby, decided he liked their idea, and wanted to get in on the fun. So he slowly began inching into some of the branches. Before long however, he was trying to take over Tobin's branch - there were many to go around, so Tobin didn't take to well to this intrusion.

Not being happy with this boy getting into his space, Tobin scrunched up his face and shook his fist at the intruder. It was little more than Tobin acting like a punk...but I understood his position to some extent. So this boy, who was larger than Blane - probably around 7 years old and pudgy - jumps to the ground and gets right in Tobin's face. This kid is looking down on Tobin, and giving him a mean face back. At this point I was ready to jump in and yank the kid away, but I held off. Tobin stood his ground, staring the boy right back in the face, not giving him even an inch!

The boy's parents called him over and scolded him, and the event came to an end. I guess maybe it's a testosterone thing, but I was awfully proud of my little cage fighter at that moment. To not back down, break eye contact, or look for help when a kid who's much larger than you steps up is a mighty ballsy thing. Stupid probably, but ballsy.

Mental note: This one will defend his little sister's honor to the death...