Extraordinary Pictures

These pictures probably seem pretty ordinary to you. There aren't any sparkling eyes or toothy grins. Not one dimple can be found. And yet they make my heart happier than any picture I've taken in a long time. 

These pictures are extraordinary. They show a transformation that is taking place at our house. The boys are beginning to really play with each other, and nothing could possibly make me happier. 

Snow Play

For the last day or two I've been telling the boys that there was a chance we were going to get a little snow. When we saw a dusting out our back door today, we threw on some warm clothes and headed out to play. We don't get a whole lot of opportunities to play in snow, so we didn't want to miss a minute. Despite the 28* temperature, we stayed out for about an hour and a half, cold but happy. 

Jackman and His Sidekick Lukey

Starring Jack As Max

Jack really loves the preschool show and books Max and Ruby. It's about Max, who is supposed to be a mischievous three year old bunny, and Ruby, his seven year old little sister who cares for him. It's actually pretty funny. Jack thinks it's hilarious. He sits and giggles at Max's antics. He also carries on conversations between Max and Ruby. I've heard him in his bedroom or in his carseat say something like, "Max, we don't ..."

In one episode, Ruby is having a party to try to earn her hostess bunny badge. Everyone has to dress up. Max is supposed to wear a suit that he doesn't like. Ruby spends the entire episode dressing him time after time. Max always removes the suit and hides it. In the end, Ruby tells Max that he cannot have any cake until he gets dressed and come downstairs. Max comes down with the clothes all wrong. 

We've been living this episode of Max and Ruby over and over today. Three times I have caught Jack with his clothes like this...

Does this make anyone else think of this? 

Luke Listening

Luke is a really good listener. There are several directions he can follow. Get in your chair. Go get your sleep sack. Go get a book. Go get your lion. Let's go get in the bathtub. I don't remember Jack listening as well at 14 months, but I probably didn't give him the opportunity either. Luke, as a second child, has to fend for himself a little more than Jack had to. Here's a video I took this morning of Luke following directions. He is just the sweetest little guy.