Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.  ~Bruce Lee

Ethan Kramer & Kyle playing SpyRing Both boys are such characters! c. 2010

Okay, there are other traits that are equally as important as a great personality, but not many.  A great personality can get you further in life, I really do believe that wholeheartedly.  Sure, you need to be intelligent and your moral compass needs to point north, but I believe having great charisma is the key.  Usually, this goes hand-in-hand with good social skills and communication skills and I know it’s a stretch, but leadership skills.

Some people were just blessed with a double dose of great personality, who are easy to converse with and are witty.  Then, there are those who seemed to have missed out altogether and were blessed with other great qualities, personality not being one of them.

Why a dissertation on great personalities?  As Kyle grows, his personality strengthens and is really shaping his character.  And you know what?  He has the best personality!  It’s a little sarcastic, a little bit of humor, intelligence mixed with a little bit of “knuckleheadedness” and most importantly, sincere and respectfulness.  Kyle has a good, scratch that, GREAT personality!

Now, this isn’t a news flash, by no stretch.  Kyle’s personality has always been strong, even as a tiny little baby, but it’s neat watching him mature and grow.  Our little man has blessed us in so many ways and I am very thankful he has such a strong personality.  I would love him the same if he was a slug, but it sure does make life more interesting with his sense of humor.

A screen shot of my twitter feed… 10/2012

Last weekend, I seemed to pick up on his humorous side more than normal because it seemed like every time I turned around, that kid was cracking me up.  We went to see Thor 2:  The Dark World.  Funny movie!  Kyle and I both picked up on all the subtle and not so subtle humor in the movie.  Love it!  That kid understands and appreciates humor and sarcasm and playful words.  It made the movie that much better!  If you want to know how Kyle and I are similar, that’s it!  So I guess it helps we get each other.

Perhaps, Kyle was giggling so much, just out of sheer exhaustion.  You see he earned that movie It’s Called Hard Work For A Reason.  Not to mention, early Saturday morning and the better part of the day, dad had us clean out his garage, getting ready for hunting season.  Regardless of the reason, hanging with Kyle is fun and almost addictive, unless we’re talking about whining.   Then you just want to run!

It was a busy weekend.  On Sunday morning before church, we went to the gun range to shoot in our rifles one last time before New York hunting.  Even while Kyle was knocking down the bowling pins (shooting mine) he was full of spirit.  Especially, after dad suggested that they swing by Dunkin Donuts to pick up a sweet treat.  I did not participate, but I gave a one donut blessing.

Me & Kyle at Idlewild for the Gutchess Hardwoods Picnic. My little man! 2004

Between Kyle spending time with my parents, practicing his piano and playing with his Legos, we had a whirl wind of activities.  Then, let’s not forget we were scheduled to join in on the hayride at Stoner Farm for Kyle’s youth group.  The hayride was scheduled for 6:30 pm, which means it was dark.  Being somewhere out by the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, finding one specific dark farm among many fields and farms was a bit difficult.  Once we found the road to take us back to the bonfire and hay wagon, we drove on.  We continued back on the road, and back and back and back.  Until we noticed, we were driving in the field!  We must have missed our turn.  Kyle found the situation to be the funniest thing ever!  He was laughing so hard, as I’m dodging major potholes and ruts in the field, that I began to join suit.  Then he started cracking comments like “Maybe we’ll run into the hayride.”  What a funny kid!

Just as we both agreed to turn around, Kyle looked over his shoulder and said, “Umm Aunt Heather, the bonfire is over there!”  We both busted out laughing before heading back in the right direction.

Once we got there safe and sound, Kyle was still living in the moment and telling everyone what we just did.  Yep he can find humor in the simplest of moments.  Great quality buddy!  Just like your dad!

Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.  ~Fred Rogers

Me during a Winterguard performance at Latrobe High School. We were wearing yellow ribbons in support of our troops during Desert Storm.  c.1990

Being a Latrobe native, I have a special place in my heart for the city of Latrobe. Actually, let’s face it, I can’t just say I’m from Latrobe, I exude of Latrobe pride. Yep, I am a Latrobean through and through. Some may know Latrobe for the originator of Rolling Rock Beer or being the home of the Steeler Training Camp. But there is so much more to Latrobe, unbeknownst to many, including myself until I started digging.  Since I just recently brought a Thrill of the Hunt Doggie in Disguise? Scavenger Hunt? to Latrobe, here are some fun facts about my hometown.  On a side note, if you get a moment, check out the pictures from the Doggie in Disguise Scavenger Hunt.  They are hilarious!

First let’s start with the pronunciation of Latrobe.  It is correctly pronounced (leɪˈtroʊb), with the “LA”, in front of TROVB.  However, if you are a native to Latrobe you pronounce it (lay-trobe) with a long “A” sound.  Subtle, but a huge noticeable difference.

 Random Fun Facts: Latrobe, Pennsylvania

United States Census Bureau

• Population was 8,235 (2012)
• 2.16 persons per household (2007-2011)
• Land area in square miles – 2.23 (2010)
• Persons per square mile – 3,600.2 (2010)
• Situated in the eastern part of Westmoreland County, in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region

Founding

• In 1750, recorded of first white man
• Christopher Gist (surveyor for the Ohio Company) passed through Latrobe
• In 1765, many owned land in Latrobe including first Congressman to represent Westmoreland County,William Findley
• In 1851, official founding of Latrobe began when Oliver Barnes (civil engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad) purchased Thomas Kirk’s 140-acre farm
• Latrobe was named after Barnes college roommate, Benjamin Latrobe
• Benjamin Latrobe never set foot in the town
• 1852 founded by Oliver Barnes, a civil engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad
• In May of 1854, Latrobe was officially incorporated
• In June of 1854, a borough government was established (at a meeting in the home of David Williams, contractor for the Pennsylvania Railroad)
• Latrobe is named after Barnes best friend & college classmate, Benjamin Latrobe
• Benjamin Latrobe was a civil engineer for the B&O Railroad
• Benjamin’s father, Benjamin Henry Latrobe was the architect who rebuilt the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. after the War of 1812
• Youngstown, Pa. was established more than 50 years before Latrobe (George Washington stayed in the Youngstown Hotel)
• About 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh
• Early residents included Delaware, Shawnee, Seneca and Mingoe Indians (fished in the Loyalhanna River)
• In 1999, declared a city

Greater Latrobe Marching Band (part of) senior night. Yes, the Colorguard were pirates! c. 1993

Originators

• One of the first in the nation to use Pay-per-Parking app
• Home of golf legend Arnold Palmer – born & raised
• Home of Mr. Fred Rogers – born, raised & died
• Home of the Steelers Training Camp at Saint Vincent College
• In 1770s, the Unity Chapel was built (Presbyterian)
• In 1780s, the first Catholic parish was formed
• In the 1840s, The Benedictine Monks were established in Latrobe
• In 1852, the Pennsylvania Car Works began building railroad cars
• In 1900, first Jewish congregation, the Beth Israel was established
• In 1904, pharmacist David Strickler created the banana split
• In 1910, Latrobe Area Hospital began with the School of Nursing
• In 1927, Latrobe Public Library started  (2,500 volumes – 500 books issued first day opened)
• George Hamilton Adams (freight agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad) left in his will for a new building for the library
• In 1954, the new library opened named Adams’ Memorial Library in his honor
• In 1938, Kennametal, global leader of mining and construction tooling, and national leader of metalworking products was established

Even More

• Latrobe Art Center offers classes for budding artists and exhibits local artists’ work
• Built in 1903, the Latrobe Train Station (DiSalvo’s Station) functioned as a railroad station up to 1970
• In the 1980s, the train station was restored and in 1986 was registered as a national historic landmark
• The DiSalvo family purchased the train station in 1989 – added Italian restaurant
• Amtrak service is available in the historic landmark train station (houses DiSalvo’s Station- fine Italian restaurant)
• Westmoreland Scenic Railroad offers a train ride through the Laurel Highlands
• Today Latrobe Area encompasses the city of Latrobe, Derry and Unity Townships, and the boroughs of Derry, New Alexandria and Youngstown

Christy Queer, Andrea Shafran & Me the Captains of Colorguard/Winterguard our senior year. 1993-1994

Greater Latrobe Schools

• Students who take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) consistently score above state and national averages
• Over 80% of graduates go on to post-secondary education (either 2 or 4 year college or trade school)
• Computer instruction begins in kindergarten
• All 3 elementary schools are lined into the district-wide network
• All middle and high school students and faculty members have their own laptops computers lined to building-wide networks by wireless connections (NETSchools)
• GLSD was the 1st school in Pennsylvania to implement a program of NETSchools initiative – all students have immediate access
• In 1936, the Special Collection was started by 2 teachers to develop the students’ appreciation for the arts
• Greater Latrobe Senior High School has the Center for the Student Creativity – designed to integration the arts into education
• Greater Latrobe Senior High School houses the Special Collection of Greater Latrobe School District (about 200 works of original regional art)

As I was holding the Dog Gone!  Scavenger Hunt in New Hope, Kyle and I met up with my cousins Dr. John Olczak and his wife Sherry.  While we were catching up during lunch, John was reliving his undergrad days at Saint Vincent with Kyle.  He also mentioned that his dad, my Uncle Frank and my grandpap Chester, along with all the other brothers, Uncle Tex, Uncle Walter they used to caddy at the Latrobe Country Club.  Now that he said that, I kind of remember hearing about it,  However, what I didn’t know was my grandpap and his brothers were taught to golf by the same man who taught Arnold Palmer.  True story!

Arnold Palmer

• His childhood home was close to the 6th hole at the Latrobe Country Club
• His father was the club’s course superintendent & golf professional
• At 11 years old started caddying
• By 17 years old won his first 5 West Penn Amateur Championships
• Attended Wake Forest University then joined the Coast Guard for 3 years
• Married Winifred (Wini) Waltzer
• In the fall of 1954 turned golf professional
• Won 92 championships in professional competitions starting in the 1955 Canadian Open
• During the 1960s, National Associated Press poll named him the “Athlete of the Decade”
• Won the Masters Tournament 4 times
• Won the British Open 2 times
• Won the U.S. Open once

Marching in the Latrobe Parade… the Colorguard wasn’t so lucky to wear T-shirts & shorts.  Sequins in heat is not pretty!  c. 1991

Mr. Fred Rogers

• Born in Latrobe in 1928
• Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was inspired by the streets of Latrobe
• In 1953, he joined the staff of WQED Pittsburgh (nation’s first community-sponsored educational television station)
• In 1955, won the Sylvania Award for best locally-produced children’s program “The Children’s Corner” (featured music & puppets)
• In 1963, ordained as a Presbyterian minister
• In 1966, debut of “MisteRogers”, became national in 1968
• Show was renamed Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood so began the famous trolley and “Land of Make Believe” populated by Lady Elaine, Fairchilde, Kind Friday XIII and Henrietta Pussycat
• Recipient of 2 George Foster Peabody Awards and “Lifetime Achievement” Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the TV Critics Association
• In 2002, President George W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom (nation’s highest civilian honor)
• Died in February 2003

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport

• Charles B. Carroll, a Scottdale resident would use Saint Vincent Aviation field as a landing (meadow of clover on a hilltop at Saint Vincent College)
• In 1919, 2 Army Pathfinders made an emergency landing
• Carroll leased the pasture at the junction of Lincoln Highway and Manito Road (now US Rt. 30 & Rt. 981)
• In 1924,  Longview Flying Field was open for business
• Built hangers to house the military army surplus planes
• The pilots were soon called “Longview Boys” or “Carroll’s Hooligans”
• In 1926, Longview Flying Field held 4 aricraft – 4th highest in Pennsylvania
• Longview Flying Field ranked 4th highest in number of flights and 3rd in number of passengers
• Carroll renamed the field J.D. Hill Airport, 4 years after opening (in honor of his friend who was killed in 1927 during an attempt to cross the Atlantic to Italy
• In 1935, christened Latrobe Airport after Carroll and Latrobe joined forces to expand runways
• May 12, 1939, the Latrobe Airport (now Arnold Palmer Regional Airport) hosted the country’s first scheduled airmail pickup
•  In 1950, the former farmland was formally purchased from the Kerr family by Latrobe Borough
• Next few years the Tri-County Municipal Authority was formed
• In 1958, Bruno Ferrari took over management, then became known as the Westmoreland-Latrobe Airport (officially a commercial facility)
• 20 years later became known as Westmoreland County Airport
• In 1999, renamed in celebration of Arnold Palmer
• Today handles about 50,000 aircraft departures and landings each year
• Runway can accommodate aircraft up to a 727
• 125 planes are based there (half are for business use and half for recreational use)
• Amenities include: free parking, flight training (Westmoreland Aviation), aircraft maintenance, car rental, charter service, restaurant (DeNunzio’s), travel agency and gift shop
• US International Airways maintains a terminal
• A study by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation found that the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport contributes to $51 million annually to the economics of the surrounding area

During a Latrobe football game.. I could never sit there that long without moving around…c. 1993

Football

• In 1895, John Brallier was one of the earliest football players to openly turn pro
• Brallier’s compensation was $10 plus expenses when agreed to play for the Latrobe YMCA against Jeannette Athletic Club
• In 1897, Latrobe Athletic Association was the 1st to field a team made up entirely of paid professional players that played a full season
• Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp at Saint Vincent College since 1969 – 3rd longest continuously running site in the National Football League

Rolling Rock Beer

• In 1939, Rolling Rock began brewing beer by the Latrobe Brewing Company in downtown Latrobe
• 4.6% abv (alcohol by volume) pale lager
• Mid 2006 sold to Anheuser-Bush (Moved to Newark, NJ)
• 7 oz. bottle of beer that became known as a “pony”
• Number 33 is printed prominently on all bottles of Rolling Rock
• Many speculation about the number 33
• • The “33″ refers to the founding year of the Pittsburgh Steelers
  • 33 degrees is the proper temperature to keep beer
  • Latrobe test-brewed 33 batches of beer before coming up with the final formula for Rolling Rock (which I thought was a recipe from the Saint Vincent Monks)
  • There were exactly 33 stair steps from the brewmaster’s office to the brewing floor in the original Latrobe brewery
  • The PA fish & game commission at the turn of the century numbered the streams within the commonwealth and the water that was used to brew this beer was taken from the stream numbered 33
  • Marked the repeal of prohibition in 1933
  • “33″ signifies the 33 words in the beer’s original pledge of quality, which is still printed on every bottle
  • An executive wrote “33″ at the end of the slogan, indicating the number of words, to be used as a guide for the bottle printers. Assuming it was part of the text and incorporated it into the label graphics

• The current pledge is on the 12 oz. bottles, while the “little nip” pledge is from the 7 oz. bottle version

A little nip from the glass lined tanks of Old Latrobe. We tender this package as a premium beer for your delight and economical use. It comes from the mountain springs to you.

—Original pledge written on the Rolling Rock bottle

The road to success is always under construction. ~Arnold Palmer

Nick & Kyle hanging with Brutus at Legion Keener Park in Latrobe Pa. 2013

Being a Latrobe native doesn’t just mean that I have a specific location I can point to on the map and declare, ‘I’m from here!’  Nope!  Stating this fact holds a lot more, the history, the traditions, those who have paved the way for others and also the pride of the people and surrounding areas.

Many can claim the same about their area, but we, Latrobeans are truly a special breed. I’m not saying my broad stroke, ideal perception is consistent across the board one hundred percent true for everyone, but from my observations and where my heart stands, it is.

Latrobe is one of those typical small towns. You know the kind, most everyone knows each other and in my case because I’m a Piper, somehow I’m related to everyone. Latrobe is also large enough to give a little elbow room when desired. Originally it was a borough and then made into a city. Latrobe was named after Benjamin Latrobe. It’s true, it’s not suppose to be pronounced with a long “a” sound. However, if you are from Latrobe, you use the incorrect pronunciation, that’s our badge of honor and proof that we are true Latrobeans.  Yes I know, we also have the typical Western Pennsylvania slang, and distinct accent criticized by all, but there is so much more.

Me & Kyle at the Banana Split Festival at our Thrill of the Hunt booth in Latrobe, Pa. 8/24/13

What else makes Wildcat Country truly special? Well, lets start with the accomplishments surfacing from this area and the people. Even though it’s not official because it was never really proven, Latrobe is home to the first professional football game ever played. At least, that’s how I always understood it. Incidentally, Latrobe is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp, held at Saint Vincent College every year. Latrobe, mirroring our neighbor Pittsburgh has very much the same die hard type of personality. “Pittsburghers” are known world wide for their dedication to the city, especially the Steelers. I mean, we have Steelernation! Latrobe projects the same pride and love of the city, for both Pittsburgh and Latrobe.

Me & what I thought was a Guerrilla Girl (nope). Banana Split Festival in Latrobe Pa. at the Thrill of the Hunt booth. 8/24/13

Saint Vincent College, Latrobe’s very own, unbeknownst to many has a history that impacted many around the world for different reasons. Long before the college was the Steelers training home base, Saint Vincent Church was the first Benedictine monastery in the United States, founded by Boniface Wimmer, a monk from Bavaria Germany. The monks not only started the Catholic tradition and built a beautiful church that turned into the college, but they also held the recipe for Rolling Rock Beer, home grown form the fields of good old Latrobe Pennsylvania.

Growing up around the Rolling Rock Brewery, I never realized how famous the beer really was, until one trip changed all that. During one of my senior high band field trips, we went to New York City. A small town Latrobe girl in the big apple. Naturally, we did all the touristy things, but on our final day, we participated in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade. On a side note, up until that point, that was the most I’ve ever walked in one trip, ever! My feet and legs were so sore from marching miles on the New York streets I thought I would collapse. Anyway, as we marched along, and the crowds took note of our banner, ‘Greater Latrobe Marching Band’, they began to yell. It wasn’t making fun, or ridiculing us in any way, it was praise and excitement! They were yelling, “Latrobe! #33 Rolling Rock!” I’m not talking a small group of drunken individuals. I’m talking pretty much the entire city of New York! We were famous! Living in my own corner of the world being oblivious to outsiders, I had no idea that anyone knew who we were! Let alone loved us! People, cheered for our group of Latrobe natives and truly loved recognizing us. It was great! It was at that moment, I didn’t take it for granted that I was a Latrobean, a Wildcat!

Nick & Kyle making a friend (Brutus) at Legion Keener Park in Latrobe, Pa. 2013

Beer is not only our claim to fame and neither are our black and yellow footfall fans. Latrobe has birthed some inspiring people. One being Mr. Fred Rogers who graduated from Latrobe High School. Actually, my grandpap Chester went to school with him and I believe Mr. Rogers was the class president. Graduating from the freshly built Latrobe Senior High School, my mom and brother and sister all walked down the same halls and graduated from the same alma mater. Mr. Rogers lived not far from my parents house in Edgewater. Some may not know or remember the TV personality, but he had a show for children on PBS, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood (1968–2001). One of his sweaters is actually on display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. He had many more accomplishments, but he was made famous from his show and calming personality.

Ice-Cream Joe, Valley Dairy (My first job) in celebration of the Banana Split Festival in Latrobe, Pa. 8/24/13

A friend of Mr. Rogers, and matching or perhaps exceeding in popularity would be our very own golf professional, Arnold Palmer. Yep the inducted World Golf Hall of Fame Latrobean was born and breed in the area. He too doesn’t live far from my parents house, right down the road from the Greater Latrobe High School. Every once in a while, I would see him pulling out of his driveway and I heard he still flies his plane in and out of the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe. Personally, I’ve never met the man, but I’ve known many who have and have commented on what a great guy he is. He was not only known in the golf world but to presidents too. I remember when Mr. Palmer’s wife, Winny (Winifred) passed away, former president George Herbert Walker Bush came to town to pay his respects.

More recently, Latrobe made their mark again with proving they are the home of the original banana split. Yes, invented by Latrobean David Strickler came the banana split. He didn’t just stop there, he also created the banana split boat to hold the ice-cream dessert.

This past weekend was the Banana Split Festival in Latrobe. Great time by all! I represented Thrill of the Hunt as part of the local vendors. We had a perfect sunny day and I loved running into old friends and meeting some new ones. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive about our start-up company. It was inspiring!

The New Playland in Legion Keener Park, Latrobe Pa. 2013

Latrobe has produced greatness, yet remains humble and true to our roots. I love this city and what it stands for. Thrill of the Hunt is home grown in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and I hope my company will continue to bring the pride back to Latrobe like many before me.

There is a lot more to Latrobe and I just touched on a few. Everyone should take some time and visit this lovely area, nestled in at the base of the Laurel Highlands. And those who have since moved away, should stop back. It’s a great place to live and do business. I am proud to be a Latrobean through and through. Even Kyle has taken on the title of Latrobe native, well after all he was born and partially raised here. He considers himself a Wildcat and I agree, he is!

There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.  ~Aldous Huxley

Kyle with his Aunt Nikki at the Air & Space Museum, Washington D.C.  6/27/09

Over Christmas, Nicole wanted to help Kyle get his bedroom organized and ready for his new Legos, New Year cleaning!  Sounds like an easy task, but it turned out to consume a couple of days of packing up old toys and trying to create some sort of organization with his beloved stuff.  While I was rubbernecking the progress, I noticed some of Kyle’s puzzles packed away.  He not only had the typical picture printed on cut cardboard type of puzzles, but he also had these nice wooden puzzles of the United States and ones with different shapes, allowing a child to remove them from their spot on the board and add back.  The kind that teaches kids about hand eye coordination, shapes, colors and naming objects.

Among the puzzles and child games was a board of transportation with wooden pieces that outlined a bus, train, plane and a car.  Wow did memories come rushing back to me!  Kyle and I spent hours naming those pieces and taking them out of their rightful home, to just add them back and repeat.  Kyle was anywhere from a year old to three or four.  Such a bright kid!

On one such occasion, I distinctly remember Kyle saying to no one in particular, “Aunt Nitti takes a plane to work.”  What?  He couldn’t have been older than two or so.  Out of sheer curiosity, knowing better, I asked, “Well buddy, what do I take to work?”  Waiting for the response of ‘car’ or ‘race car’ since that’s what he would tell everyone that’s how I drove, ‘like it was a race car’.  Nope!  With complete seriousness he turned to me and said, “Aiya, you take a bus.”  What?  Are you kidding me?  Nicole gets to take a plane to work in his mind, but I take a bus?

When Kyle was born, my sister was working in Tucson, Arizona.  While she lived there, she would fly back home quite often, to visit with our little man and to see the family.  This was right after we lost Kyle’s dad, Ryan.  So for the first few years of Kyle’s existence, all he associated his ‘Aunt Nitti’s’ arrival home and departure was with the phrases,  ‘she on her plane’ or ‘her flight landed’ and such.  Apparently, he perception of Nicole traveling anywhere was by plane.  Naturally, I guess that included work.  Wow, lucky her.

Me on the other hand, I’ve always worked and lived locally, so no plane involvement unless I was traveling for entertainment, I guess that didn’t count.  I know Kyle never remembered me traveling to South Korea, he just turned a year old when I arrived back in the states after a two week hiatus.  But I did travel throughout northern Europe for a month in 2005, when he was four.  I was gone an entire month and I talked to him when I could throughout my travels.  So do I get to take a plane to work?  Nope.  Kyle’s normal activity for a few years, usually involved me picking him up at daycare and driving him to and fro.  Really, a ‘car’ didn’t enter his mind, but a ‘bus’ did?

Maybe in Kyle’s mind buses are part of a daily routine, especially when I pick him up and drop him off.  That’s what he associated me with, or maybe not.  I must admit taking a plane to work seems pretty extravagant and adventurous, is that how he saw my sister?  I guess we’ll never know.  I’m just happy I’ve always been an integral part of Kyle’s life and continue to do so.

Needless to say, Aunt Nikki taking a plane to work, became a big joke in the household, “Aunt Nikki takes a plane to work” and “Aunt Heather takes a bus”.  Kyle is in on the joke, since he started it, but I he doesn’t remember when it originated.   Although during that time, he certainly knew it was a thorn in my side and he would instigate me about it.  I guess he really is related to me!

Honestly, I love hearing kids perception on the simplest things, such as the transportation used.  Quite entertaining!  Our little man, has always has been too cool.  He has always amazed me with this perception and thought process and continues to do so.