No, I am talking about LEGO. Those blocky little bricks of various sizes. In our home, they are weapons of mass destruction. They somehow are found in every room. And I do mean every. There are heads, pants, wheels, cars. There are mini figures, there are games, even catalogs! There are partially assembled "creations" adorning most of the flat surfaces in our downstairs. It has been that way since Ayden was roughly 5, and his attention shifted from Thomas & All things Thomas related, to Lego.
He inherited his fathers collection, and all conversation could be had through Lego speak. We as his parents have indulged the Lego habit. We have been his dealers to this addiction! And I don't feel bad about it. It is a connection. Years back, it was the way to have discussions with Ayden. As he was not going to just walk up and ask you how your day went. I learned during the Baby Einstein DVD's run and the early Thomas Days THIS was his chit chat. This is where we can reach each other for some common ground. Ayden is like a walking Wiki of sorts. He gathers information and categorizes it in his mind files so it is at the ready for any conversation. At 5 he could manage a few topics. Now at 12, his arsenal is massive. StarWars, DC and Marvel Comics, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Pokemon, and this is enhanced by the fact that all of these themes are crossovers in Lego as well.
The conversational benefits are not just felt at home. He has honed this skill at school as well. He has a handful of friends that share lego magazines with him back and forth, trade characters and seek him out for his expertise. He will notice a sticker or picture on a desk in class that is the logo for a certain Superhero and amaze his teacher with his unending knowledge. And just try to catch him up. Almost impossible. Sadly, at his meetings this year we have all had a good chuckle over the fact that if he stored his Math lessons and other subjects he struggles with in the same way! WOW. They all laughed harder when I said if you can figure out how to turn it into a video game or a Lego set he would.
I looked at my buddy, and smiled. Of course he does. I can't think of a better way to make something seem less serious then to picture it silly. See, case in point! Last Supper or Lego Party! you be the judge!