Finally DONE!!! my second pair of socks! I did these with the 2S2C method. It worked well once I got the swing of it. the cast on and join were a little confusing... I also tried short row heels and toes. I'm not too pleased with them tho- BIG holes! I think I'm doing something wrong when I purl too, the stitches look twisted on the purl rows. I don't think these will wear as well as the dutch heel that I did on mine, but I'm sure he'll outgrow them before that is an issue. I used Lion Brand Cotton Ease. it was tough to knit with- it split a lot and I dont' know how it will wear as socks either, but the fabric is firm and soft. I hope he likes them! I wrapped them up for his birthday next week even tho he saw me making them and he's tried them on along the way. he hasn't seen them done tho.