Friends and Enemies

Okay, so maybe "enemies" is kind of a strong word for the relationship between my two oldest boys. Yesterday they were best friends. They came into the kitchen laughing and holding hands, playing so sweetly together. I commended them on their brotherly unity as they ran off dragging each other down the hall. Now, lest you think I have perfect angels (5 minutes in my home will convince you otherwise very quickly), the cute holding hands thing is a first for them. They have been playing well together more and more, but they are just as often at each others' throats. At least 50 times a day one of them comes crying to me because the other one hurt him. If there's no blood, then I send them back to play some more. If it keeps happening, I separate them. And almost every time they get separated for being mean to each other, they beg to be able to keep playing together. Go figure. I cherish the hand-holding, laughing moments, believe me. And I do hope that my boys grow up to be best friends after all.

Not to leave out the smallest brother... Micah is wanting to play with his big brothers more and more. Luke is usually good about playing with him, chasing him around and making him laugh. Unfortunately Luke tends to get carried away and too rough with Micah and Micah ends up crying. Luke is forever apologizing to Micah because he usually doesn't mean to hurt Micah, he just does. Often. But, no matter what, Micah just keeps going back for more. In the afternoons when the boys are having their movie time, Micah will walk up to Luke and toss a book or toy at him because he wants Luke to toss the toy back or chase him. It's really cute. You can just see the playful look on Micah's face. When neither brother pays him any attention, Micah will head to the kitchen for the home school cabinet that is beside our table. The bottom shelf is full of puzzles and things that the boys can play with at the table. Micah finds great joy in pulling out as many things as he can and making a huge mess on the floor. Though it's kind of a pain to have to pick it all up, I know that one day I will wish for these days. It won't be long before he's doing everything with the two big boys. I'm in no hurry!