Little Ivy is quick to pick up on the feminine side of life.
She loves to go “shopping” – putting items in a bag and dragging them around the house.
She has a hard time deciding what to wear.
She loves her “baby”, will give it hugs and likes to hold it while she sleeps.
She can even slide gracefully.
But most of all, she has a thing for chocolate!
A true, Texas, crash-bang-boom thunderstorm rolled through our town on Monday.
Lance and I watched the rain pour down and talked about the very loud thunder, some of which sounded like it went off right above our heads!
After some particularly loud thunder I went to see if Ivy had woke up from her nap. Lance was still watching the rain through a window when suddenly the lights went out – he came shooting out of the room in search for me. He was very brave later and held the flashlight so we could see.
Since we had no lights we played on the porch, watching the rain and enjoying some water too.
When the storm abated we went out puddle stomping and found the king of puddles in the volleyball court!
Ivy discovered that water can hide uneven terrain. Lance found that rocks can only be thrown once but wood chips can be thrown and retrieved multiple times.
When everyone was cold we trooped inside for dry clothes then read books by the light of the window until Daddy came home. Having no electricity to cook, we went and got some pizza then crashed at a friend’s house until our lights came back on. What an adventure!
It rained a lot the next day, keeping us inside so mommy broke out the jumper for entertainment. I put Ivy in first and Lance kept saying “all done, Ivy?’” until I put him in. Lance liked it so much that he jumped until he fell asleep. I think I like that toy.
Naptime is a sacred ritual. Through this ceremony we appease the gods of whine and cry. Without, we suffer terrible disasters like a torrential rain of tears, floods of toys, whirlwinds of sleep deprived hyper activity and volcanic meltdowns.
Each young worshipper develops their own style of homage but in general one must lie still with closed eyes for an extended period of time.
Rituals must be performed around the same time each day or the gods may strike when you least expect.
This devotee missed her morning “prayers” and was taken suddenly in the middle of lunch.
Even those in high favor who maintain their well being with one time of devotion must be careful not to take their liberty lightly. Here he was struck down suddenly while playing on the way to the potty.
Luckily, for those who have gone astray, the gods can be appeased with gifts…and a cheerful smile.
To combat some less than cheerful moods this morning, we took an exploratory walk around the apartments.
Lance found a good rock right away which cheered him up. Ivy enjoyed the breeze from an AC unit.
We found a nice patch of mud and poked sticks in it.
The kids look wistfully at the water, remembering their swim time before it was closed for repairs about 3 weeks ago.
Lance makes up for his disappointment by climbing the wall nearby.
Ivy tries a rock. Maybe a different colored one would taste better?
Lance found “treasure” of a colored pellet. Then he “lost” it in a crack. Mommy saved the day and rescued his treasure.
By this time we were all hot and went back inside – moods somewhat improved.
Lance and Ivy are pals. If one is doing something the other is sure to think they’re having fun and will want to join in.
Life constantly provides a chance for entertainment.
Sometimes Lance wants to join Ivy, other times Ivy copies big brother and braves the scary cow.
Of course, if mommy does it then it must be fun!
They believe in equal opportunity.
They will be unbeatable as a team (once they learn how to play).
They support each other in their endeavors.
And they both eat fast to ensure the other doesn’t come begging for leftovers.
