Anthony and His Chair

We got Anthony a laptop when he first entered high school, because he needed it for his schoolwork. He used to hang out in his "cave", as Patrick calls Anthony's bedroom, but I convinced him to come out to the living room because then we could at least see him and interact a little with him. He settled into one of the reclining chairs, the one placed to the left of the fireplace. Now that we got him a new laptop for college, he uses the reclining chair to the right of the fireplace, because the power plug is on the opposite side on this laptop as on his previous one. Sometimes he multi-tasks, like reads Reddit on his iPhone while listening to music while something else is on his computer. He was sitting in that corner when we had fourteen 10-12 year old girls over for Natalie's party. The noise didn't seem to bother him at all (probably because he had his earphones in).

He watches videos on his computer, plays games, skypes with his friends, etc. Our Netflix and Hulu Plus subscriptions have been well worth the price we pay for them. Once in while, when school was still in session, he would even help friends with their homework/schoolwork using Skype. Since school ended, he has been on the computer almost continuously, when he isn't out with his friends. He also sits in the reclining chair when he plays on the PS3 (as does Alex), except that he moves it to the center of the room in that case. When I took this particular picture, he was playing on the PS3 while his good friend Alejandro was also playing on HIS PS3, and they were communicating through Skype at the same time. I am still amazed at how easily kids integrate technology into their everyday lives!

Of course, Anthony isn't the only one that is "plugged in". After folding a bunch of laundry (see that stack on the coffee table), Anthony settled into his chair and got on his computer. Eric has his own "chair", a present from his godfather. That little boy has become quite iPad-obsessed this summer. He will miss it once school starts. The iPad does have some educational value, at least. What other six-year-old can spell "Invincible T-Rex"?

At least Patrick and I can rest knowing that Anthony does other things besides be on the computer (just not as much). When Alejandro spent the night this past week, they apparently decided to eat ice cream and Pop Tarts together. Apparently it was an idea they got from the Internet, not surprisingly, and they had good things to say about the concoction. Patrick and I already know that we will have lots of leftovers when Anthony is away at college. The other kids won't eat leftovers.

Even though Anthony was in his little corner for most of the summer, quiet and almost part of the furniture, we will definitely miss his presence this coming school year. I'm starting to get sentimental about everything. Wish me luck next week when we drop him off!