Sister and Brother

For the last couple of years (two to be exact), Sarah, Alex and Lucas have not been the best of friends. They clearly love each other as is evident by the abundance of daily hugs and the laughter that can often be detected floating on the wind. However, they frequently aggravate and annoy each other with constant teasing and tormenting. Recently they have taken to blissfully playing "Tag, you're it!" in the back yard and competitively reenacting "Mario Kart" with laundry baskets on just about any hard surface they can find. Lately their relationships with each other have blossomed into more of a closer friendship and less of an antagonizing sport. This metamorphosis from foe to friend has been a welcomed change in my roller coaster of mother emotions. I can now relish the laughter and kind words instead of punish the misbehavior. They still argue and pester each other, but the fun times have almost outweighed the franticness of the daily grind here at the Farnsworth household.

The kids like playing outside on the neighbor's trampoline. The neighbors have welcomed our presence and seem to enjoy their trampoline continuing it's usefulness after their kids have grown. The only rules are that only two people can jump at a time, one when flipping, and no standing or walking on the mats (It's an in-ground tramp). Before we even moved in, I could foresee an issue with the "only two" rule. I have three young children of jumping age who are already having to work on their sharing skills. My first thought was that I could try and help enforce that rule, but "Yeah right!" To my delightful surprise, Sarah caught on fairly quickly to this doubles rule and has been almost over-enthusiastic at helping to enforce it with the boys. Alex and Lucas are very receptive to taking turns, and even Sarah will hop off briefly to let her brothers enjoy a moment together. Alex is by far the best turn taker. He is quick to get off when it's someone else's turn and waits patiently sitting on the sidelines. They make me proud.

Sarah put on a "Baby Einstein" type movie this evening, and this is what I walked in to see after a few minutes of it.

Lucas sure loves his sister. These two pictures are his best effort at mimicking Sarah's every pose.