Trick or Treat Ye Scallywags

Argh, what a gut-filling journey we’ve had. Our map directed us north from the Caribbean into the Mexican Gulf to the Port of New Orleans. From there we eased into the Mississippi’s fresh water until we reached the Ohio’s mouth. Just up that river we set our anchor and slipped ashore. Some call me Blue Beard Ben, the Scourge of the Seven Seas, and my mate is a scurvy dog named Captain Trey Doubloons. We heard tales that a bountiful fill of saccharine treasures were ripe for the taking from every doorway of this port. Well, shiver me timbers, that story’s too good to be true. Trey packed his sword and I brought me cutlass, and together we relieved the townies of their sweet booty.

Distress Rehearsal

We purchased the boys’ Halloween costumes in Gainesville, Florida last month on our way home from Grandma and Granddaddy Roe’s house. Ironically, it was the day the University of Florida’s Heisman winning Quarterback Tim Tebow received a scary concussion from the University of Kentucky, as the Gaters were murdering UK 41-7. We chose our costumes, but when the boys became frightened by the Halloween store’s scary items, we left quickly without the benefit of trying them on for size. Now, one day before Halloween, we thought we should try on everything with time for any necessary last minute alterations. Benjamin James was totally cooperative and loved the dress-up fun, but Trey Davey was not in the mood. After his meager efforts to hide failed, he fought and howled like a slasher-movie scream-queen before being succumbed by the monstrous costume.

That The Rub

Our boys are constant motion from the time they wake us at 6:00 am until their 9:00 pm bedtime (and sometimes in-between). Few activities inspire them to be still, but one constant is the after-bath massage. Both enjoy this exercise nearly as much as their beloved bath. One isn’t allowed to hurry through this procedure. They’ll lay flat and coo as long as you rub. We apply generous amounts of Baby Soft Lotion and see that all exposed areas are addressed. It’s interesting to observe the envy displayed by grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who have observed this post bathing ritual. You wound think they’d trade places on the table if given the chance.

Our Own Tractor

For Trey Davey and Benji, all road vehicles can be narrowed down into three categories; cars, trucks and tractors. On each minivan ride, the boys delight in pointing out each truck and tractor. There must be too many cars to bother. Our next door neighbors, the Roberts, were cleaning out their garage Sunday and graciously gave the boys a small tricycle and this very nice John Deere pedal-tractor and trailer. Daddy had a much loved pedal-tractor when he was a boy and this one had been a favorite of Zack’s until he outgrew it several years ago. Both boys were so excited that the toy was twice placed in timeout after they fought over it. The twins’ legs are not yet long enough to reach the pedals, but with one boy in the seat and the other in the trailer, they delight in Daddy pushing them around the yard until he drops of exhaustion.

Making Inroads

While watching Benji play with the cars and trucks my cousin Valerie gave the twins last week I noticed an amazing new development; Benji was using the roads on the carpet. We purchased this colorful rug from Lowes’ last year hoping the boys would enjoy its cityscape features, but until now they have acted oblivious to its’ design. We tried to show them several times how to drive cars along the carpet’s roads without their comprehension. Now it seems a though they’ve figured it out. They’ve also figured out how to tow cars using the wrecker’s hook. Who says learning can’t be fun?

Bath Laps

We keep writing about how much the boys love water, and now they’re even trying to swim in the tub. When I came into the bathroom yesterday and saw them in the tub on their bellies it concerned me, but Sandy calmly suggested I watch them. They were playing like they were swimming by moving their arms and kicking their feet. Squeals of joy reverberated throughout the bathroom as they splashed and played. I was also amazed at how long they looked stretched out across the tub. It won’t be long before they’re too long to practice their swimming in the tub.

Afternoon Snack Outside

The boys enjoy an afternoon snack after completing their nap about 3:30 pm each day. Mommy thought it might be fun to take the snack outside in the sunshine today. She wants our boys outside and actively exercising as much as possible. Much has been done to prepare a fun and safe environment for them to enjoy the outdoors. Our role models are the Roberts family next door who seem to live outdoors whenever the temperatures are above freezing. Striking a balance between active physical activities and inactive pursuits such as watching TV and playing video games is our goal for well rounded young men. At this point they offer no resistance and enjoy going outside to play or eat.