Introducing Silas Hickey

Meet Silas—our resident palaeontologist, and younger half of Boanerges.

Currently 8-years old, just about 9, Si loves all things dinosaurs, being quick to identify any dinosaurs he spots in books or on TV, and regale us with any facts you could ever want to know (he recently saw all the Jurassic Park/World films, & with all the added commentary on each animal it took longer to watch then an Extended Cut Lord of the Rings marathon!). When asked what his favourite dinosaur would be, he said carnotaurus (like a T-Rex with horns) or therizinosaurus.

A still from a presentation Silas gave us on different types of dinosaurs

Like all our children, Si was given a Biblical name, however his name was actually taken from Silas “Uncle Si” Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame. A fact he is proud of.

Si’s favourite subjects are science and history. He hates maths because “the pages are too big” (apparently, I give him too much work…?), but says that he is still good at it. He attributes his smarts to his “big troodon brain”.

Silas also has the distinction of being our class clown. Sometimes this is the result of intentional hijinks and slapstick routines. Sometimes it’s just because he is a klutz. Either way, Silas has the unique ability to make us all laugh at the dumbest things. Particularly his younger brother, Lazarus, who strives to be like Silas in every possible way, copying dance moves and silly faces. These two always seem to be having an in-joke.

Lazarus looks across to make sure he is copying his big brother correctly.

In his spare time, Si can often be found tinkering with scraps of wood and metal in the backyard, even setting up his own ‘shop’ called Fix, Make, Break, where you can bring any random, discarded item, and he will bash it into some repurposed shape. And speaking of shops, Si has dreams of opening his own bakery—Cookie Nut Café—one day.

His extracurricular achievements include receiving his green tip belt in taekwondo, and scoring soccer goals with his face when he was younger. He enjoys writing songs and books (he is always working on his Dark Realm book), and he is currently learning Russian.

He is an avid gamer—affectionately known as Gilius Thunderhead by his father—like our other children. Personal favourites include Minecraft Dungeons (& O.G. Minecraft), underwater games (such as Subnautica & Abzu), and he has also taken an interest in Warhammer 40K games, particularly Freeblade & Tacticus, where his favourite faction are Necrons. His claims to fame are that he was the first in our family to finish Minecraft Dungeons and Sonic Forces. He is also Overseer of Vault 153 in Fallout Shelter (a number taken from the ‘Miraculous Catch’ in the Gospel of John).

Si was delighted to become a big brother for the second time. Hopefully he doesn't corrupt Kilion the same way he did Lazarus...