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.

The Corn Box

What if you had a sandbox full of corn? That’s exactly what we found in Reid Orchard’s corn crib. Not being bashful, the boys leaped right in to investigate. They found a number of farm implement toys and hand shovels ready for work. The corn seemed easier to work with than the sand on the beach, but impossible to build castles with unlike the sand. Mommy found the corn soiled the twin’s clothes less than sand, but had the same habit of working itself into some unusual places like under the diapers. Seeing the benefits of both, the twins would choose a sandbox and a corn box for their backyard.

Timeless Classics

The Ford Motor Company unbridled the Mustang automobile on April 17, 1964 at New York’s World Fair. It is the car maker’s second oldest nameplate still in production. The car’s name came from the World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane, and its sports car-like design featured a long hood and short rear deck. I remember receiving a red plastic Mustang toy car for Christmas and Sandy remembers sharing a red Mustang peddle car with her sister Susan. Granddaddy Roe recently said his favorite car was his 1966 red Mustang. When approaching this ride at the Apple Festival the boys had several options; a dune buggy, a bus, a jeep and a hot rod, but they chose the Mustang.

Wishing Well

Another stop on our Reid’s Orchard hay ride was to a wishing well. Today, it’s almost hard to imagine getting drinking water that came from somewhere other than a water treatment plant, but individual water wells were the norm until relatively recently. As water was a source of life and often a scarce commodity, wells were considered to be gifts from God. Some ancient people believed deities actually lived in the wells, and they would offer coins to those gods hoping their wishes would be granted. It was fortuitous that the coins, traditionally made of copper or silver, had biocidal properties which actually purified the water. How lucky was that? Trey Davey and Benji each made their deposits and maybe a secret wish too.

Buzzing the Grand Stands

This ride is like an old friend. It was the very first ride they rode way back at the International Barbeque Festival in May. Since then they’ve experienced other carnival rides, playground rides and shopping cart car rides, but this one is special. Judging by their 1950’s styling, these cars have been circling this track for a half century. The Grands almost certainly watched Daddy ride in these cars as a boy, and those memories and stories are vivid today. Soon Benji and Trey Davey will outgrow these cars physically and intellectually and seek larger, more thrilling amusements. But today they are content to race around this well-loved oval under the adoring watch of some of their biggest fans.

You pick lunch

While the boys’ speaking vocabulary is under a hundred words, they understand a great deal more than that. During our hay ride at Reid’s Orchard we stopped so the children could pick an apple directly off the tree. While getting off the wagon, we explained what we were going to do in the briefest of terms. Once on the ground, they ran into the orchard evaluating trees until they found one they liked. Then without prompting, they each picked an apple and headed back to us for the return hay ride. Perhaps it was by instinct, but each picked apples like they had done so all their lives.

The Daddy Topper

Of all the rides around, by far the scariest is The Daddy Topper. Forget the roller coasters, forget the haunted houses, The Daddy Topper trumps them all. No line forms to ride The Daddy Topper, you are chosen by behavior. Act up, wander off or whine incessantly and you are asking to be chosen. You won’t see it coming; suddenly you’ll just be snatched off your feet and the ride begins. You may begin the experience with a sharp sensation in your diaper area, depending on the degree of your bad behavior. Then your liberty is taken and you begin a trill ride like no other. Riding high above the masses you negotiate precariously through crowds of people over uneven farm fields riddled with carnival tie downs ready to trip you at any point. You must always be on the look out for low hanging awnings, umbrellas and streamers that could decapitate you at every turn. Your only saving grace is the ride’s short duration. The Daddy Topper tires easily.

First Apple Festival

We returned to Reid’s Orchard again this weekend so the twins could attend their first Apple Festival. This year’s event was entirely different for the adults because we visited areas we had avoided before the boys came along. Now we couldn’t keep Grandpa away from the playground and carnival rides. While these were the same rides we had discovered in May at the International Barbeque Festival, we were amazing how much the boys have grown and matured in the last six months. They had much less apprehension about climbing on a ride and seemed to enjoy the experience much more.

Fork it Over

The local Edds family gathered together twice in order to visit with Cousin Valerie Persons during her visit to Owensboro. On Friday night we gathered at Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant and on Saturday morning we visited the Cracker Barrel. Valerie brought family photos to show her Uncles and Aunts, who were very interested to see the Virginia clan. Meanwhile, Mommy and Daddy forgot to pack the twins’ spoons and forks, so Davey and Benji got their first opportunity to use adult forks. It was a bit cumbersome, but the taste of pancakes was worth the hassle. Later, we took Cousin Valerie for a tour of historic Edds Family sites through Owensboro and extending to Beech Grove. We visited the homes, schools, churches and graves of her parents, grandparents and great grandparents while the boys enjoyed their afternoon nap. Later, we enjoyed looking through lots of pictures. It was a good visit.

Valerie’s Homecoming

Today Mommy and the boys met Daddy’s first cousin Valerie Persons, who traveled from Richmond, Virginia to visit with us. She had not been to Owensboro for many years and had planned to attend Uncle Gene Ray’s August birthday party family reunion , but was unable to travel that weekend. Seizing the moment, she rented a car and drove west for an October surprise visit. At our encouragement, she stayed in our guest room, which allowed Valerie ample time to meet and bond with the twins. She brought them an assortment of toy trucks, which they loved and enjoyed. Valerie is a grandmother of two girls; four year old Emma and nine month old Grace, so she was fluent in little people matters.

Animal Retentive

It is so amazing to watch our little boys’ personalities emerge. From the beginning we have analyzed the twins’ movements trying to determine which attributes are nurture and which are nature. Both mimic us constantly choosing both our best and worst habits. Occasionally we see what appears to be an original idea emerging from one of them that gives us clues to their natural personalities. Today Benji deliberately and systematically lined up his favorite stuffed animals along the bookshelf. He began with a space for himself, and then he placed a Winnie the Pooh on each side. He positioned an Elmo in each Pooh’s lap, and then he sat in the middle with his kitty cat on his lap. Benji was very proud of the symmetry of his accomplishment.

Yoga Slide

Trey Davey was a little intimidated by this slide at Reid’s Orchard, and well he should be. It is the largest slide he’s encountered by far. From a raised platform standing 15’ above the ground, two large corrugated pipe tubes invited brave souls to slide down to the ground. Mommy volunteered to go down with Davey first to show him how safe it was. Her snap decision apparently didn’t account for the difficulty of a grown person climbing into the tube while holding a squirming toddler. Long arms, legs and gravity didn’t always work together, but determination yielded a successful first ride, and newly acquired confidence required many succeeding ones.

Rolling Down the Pasture

Reid’s Orchard has a very cleverly designed playground. All the activities have a farming theme. This corrugated pipe rolling game is actually a little advanced for their size, but our boys were game to give it a try. With Daddy’s steadying hand they were able to advance the tube while remaining upright for the most part. One interesting story that Valerie Reid shared with me was after the Hurricane Ike wind storm hit their farm in January; they found these large heavy tubes on their neighbors’ properties several farms away. Imagine looking out your window and seeing these big tubes bouncing along through your fields towards your house. Fortunately, the tubes’ storm adventure damaged nothing, but the Reid’s had to use heavy equipment to lift and haul them back home.

Benji on the Harp

Today Carol brought in a harmonica for the boys. One of her friends who was downsizing gave her the instrument thinking the twins would enjoy making music. Benji immediately took to the harp like an old Blues player making notes by blowing air into, then drawing air out. Trey Davey loved the harmonica’s sound, dancing and clapping to the music. When it was his turn to play it, he struggled at first. He hummed into the instrument. Determined, he kept trying new techniques until he discovered how to make the music. Harmonicas are used primarily in Blues and American folk music, jazz, country music and rock and roll. Which musical genre the boys prefer is yet to be determined.

First Car Ride

Because of their car seats, Trey Davey and Benji have experienced riding in only two vehicles in their lifetime, until now. It is such a hassle to remove and install their car seats that we avoid it. Until yesterday we have only transferred the seats once before. When the boys were born, I owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was a great vehicle, but not as baby friendly as we wished. After a few months we were able to purchase a minivan, which was designed with families in mind. In last night’s driving rain our minivan lost its fan belts and broke down several miles from home. We called Grandpa, who rescued us from the roadside. His spacious back seat not only accommodated our two car seats, but allowed plenty of room for a third. Riding in a car was a new experience which greatly interested our little guys. Today we cruised to church in style in Grandpa’s big Lincoln like a couple of senators, and definitely approve of his car’s ride.

Hay Ride on the Twin Express

The Owensboro Mothers of Multiples held an activity at Reid’s Orchard today. Six families braved the crisp, overcast weather to enjoy the many activities Reid’s had to offer. Established in 1876, the farm has been passed down through many generations and the Reid family prides itself in advanced technology. Present owner and grower Billy Reid, himself a twin, was excited to meet us and take the group for a hay ride. We traveled back in time though the orchard, past several older homes to a place beside a stream where there was a wishing well. Both Benji and Trey Davey tossed pennies into the fountain and kept their wishes a secret.

Picking Pumpkins

Last Saturday afternoon we took a leisurely drive out in the country. It felt like fall even though the leaves haven’t begun to turn yet. On our way back we stopped at Trunnels Farmer’s Market. The boys loved the place. They had pumpkins everywhere of all sizes and shapes. Trunnels offer their customers little red wagons for carrying their heavy pumpkin purchases, but we also found them useful for carting heavy twin boys. Benji chose his pumpkin quickly and climbed in the wagon to protect it against any pumpkin poachers. Trey Davey was more selective, inspecting several examples very thoroughly before choosing his favorite.

Getting Poohed On

Benjamin James Edds has gone Pooh crazy. Our babysitter Carol Cox noticed that he really responded to the Winnie the Pooh cartoons, so she brought him a big one that had been her son’s. Benji loved the stuffed animal, which is as big as he is, and carried it around everywhere. He was totally possessive and wouldn’t let Davey near it. When it was time for bed and pajamas, he brought some for Pooh too, and insisted Pooh sleep with him. With Pooh resting in the crib, there was just enough room for Benji too. The next morning when the boys sat on Mommy’s lap and watched cartoons, Benji insisted Pooh have his place, and Benji then sat on Pooh’s lap. After only a short time Mommy declared three’s a crowd.

Happy Birthday Aunt Erin

Aunt Erin, Uncle Steve and Cousin Levi live in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to visit with them very often but always enjoy our time together. Aunt Erin owns a company with her sister called “Country Mouse City Mouse”. The name comes from a children’s story. Erin’s sister Katie used to live in the big city of Chicago, so she’s the City Mouse and Aunt Erin is the Country Mouse because she lived in a smaller town. They produce dressings, marinades and other good things that are sold in stores and farmer’s markets. We look forward to sampling these things when we’re old enough.

A Couple of Desk Jockeys

When we returned from vacation, our friend Carol Cox presented Trey Davey and Benji with their birthday and Christmas presents two months early. She purchased a desk and chair for each of them. She found these pieces on sale and couldn’t resist buying them. While similar in size and colors, each set is unique (like the boys). Carol believed the boys had grown big and steady enough to sit at a table and play. The floor wasn’t the best platform for puzzles or coloring books. Carol and her husband Craig assembled the furniture and then took the extra step of coating the wooden pieces with polyurethane for durability and spill protection. Having raised her own twin boys, Carol knows best.

Birthday Benchmark Photos – 22 months

We don’t have the boy’s physical measurements this month. Rest assured that they are growing taller and heavier by the day. The rapid growth that they experienced in their early days where they progressed five clothing sizes in their first six months is over. Today’s rapid growth area is not so much in physical size, but in vocabulary. New words are flowing out steadily like a slow drip from a pressurized faucet. Each day we anticipate a language breakthrough where a sudden surge of words will immerse us in conversation. Once vocabulary grows, sentences will be formed and then will come the questions. At that point we’ll have to explain ourselves.

Happy Birthday Granny

Ondra understands boys. The activities she shared with her father were very masculine in nature; fishing and target shooting. Her early heroes were cowboys. She learned much about cars and trucks from her only sibling, a younger brother. She married a man who loved sports and together they have watched many, many ballgames. Her children were boys, and she immersed herself in all things male from Boy Scouts to Little League. Given this pedigree, a granddaughter would have been welcome, but challenging. What do little girls do? Answering this question would have required much research and experimentation. Perhaps it is best then that Granny has been blessed with grandsons. She knows boy stuff like the back of her hand.

Blog Number 700

When writing these milepost blogs I sometimes look back at similar previous entries to gain prospective and attempt not to repeat myself. On Blog Number 600, I’m bemoaning the point that my postings are behind and beseeching our reader’s patience with promises to be caught up soon. As I write this, my postings are still two weeks behind, but not for lack of material. We have easily enough photos and stories to fill another 100 blogs. We would like to thanks all the family and friends who give us so many wonderful adventures to write about. I hope to be current and posting daily by blog number 800, but given the exciting birthdays, holidays and anniversaries happening soon, it may not happen.

Tremendous Competition

Our neighbors across the street decided to take down their very old and large front yard tree. It was damaged severely first by last year’s Hurricane Ike, then by January’s ice storm. At lunch we watched for a while as a team of tree trimmers dismantled the Maple. By dinner time saws were still cutting the huge tree into manageable pieces so a front-end loader could left the logs into a dumpster. Since all this activity was way more interesting than mom and dad, we moved the boy’s chairs around so they could watch the action without twisting in their chairs.

Proactive Travel Tips

Sitting still for long periods of time is difficult for anyone. Toddlers need discovery every waking moment and watching traffic pass offers limited entertainment. Their body is growing. When they are hungry, they need to eat regardless of the traffic or proximity to exits with restaurants. That food gives them boundless energy that needs released. They need exercise. Once that energy is depleted though, their bodies need rest. Sleeping in a sitting position is less comfortable than a reclined position. Successful travel requires mom and dad to know these things and act accordingly. We take baths at night so as to not further delay our morning departures. Mommy packs a bag with car toys and hands them out new ones progressively as the boys grow tired of old ones. She has snacks and Dad plans food stops on schedule. We look for playgrounds and make time for exercise. And, we pack blankets and travel pillows for afternoon naps.