Last night, D was watching hockey (oh joy...) with a friend of ours who has two small boys. He was saying that his older son, who is about two and half, can hear and identify a plane about 30 seconds before he can hear the faint rumble. Of course, this may be due to all the eardrum-popping concerts we've gone to, but the powers of observation in a child are quite amazing.

D and I took Franklin down to the beach this morning. We explored the rocks and fed the seagulls. Franklin had a great time - laughing his head off at all the greedy birds arguing over his cheerios.

Amazingly, from what seems like miles away, Franklin can spot a dog, bird, balloon, car or whatever else he is fixated on at the moment. It's amazing what he will notice compared to his parents - with our heads full of busy thoughts and crowded opinions.
So, while I'm furiously thinking about the lack of crosswalks across Dallas Road or the many fond memories of my dog, Franklin is taking everything in like a human sponge.