"Of all the things I have to play, I'd choose my brother any day"

So, I never thought this day would come, and although it's happened gradually, I am just so thrilled to say that Grant and Luke love playing together... and it's not just for a few minutes at a time!  I want to document this momentous evening we had.  Most every night after supper, I let the boys go outside to play.  Some nights I go out with them, some nights I just leave the back door open ( I can see them and hear them well) while I clean the kitchen .  Most nights they play for a few minutes, then someone screams, gets hurt, tattles (I wonder who does that), or just wants me out there with them to entertain.  Tonight was different!  Mike was working tonight so I let them out while I kept the door open while I got some cleaning done.  I kept on waiting for the screams.  No screams.  And, I actually heard some laughter!  They were playing SO well together and for so long!  When Luke came in with dirt all over his face I said it was time for a bath.  Usually they love bath time but when I mentioned it, they both darted back outside for another good long play session!  Hallelujah!    And let me tell you, this whole having someone to play with thing couldn't have come at a better time for my super needy 3 year old.  Grant has never been that great at playing by himself and tends to be attached to my hip most of the time, wanting me or Mike to entertain him.  Yes, these first (almost) couple of years have been trying at times with my 2 little ones so close in age, but now I'm seeing the light and am glad that they are finally buddies.  Of course this doesn't mean that I haven't loved the precious baby years and I AM sad that they are over, but I think I'm ready to be entering this stage of their young lives.  Since Luke can't quite communicate all that well yet, their inside play includes LOTS of running, jumping, screaming (happy screaming.. you mothers of boys know what I'm talking about) and laughing.  Grant basically bosses him around, but Luke doesn't mind.. just yet!  I know it won't be long before Luke is able to voice his opinions too.

Luke does not like Grant in time out, so he keeps him company!  Oh, and btw, Luke is also spending some time in time-out these days!  I need to get a picture of that.  Although, he doesn't stay there long enough for a photo opp! ha!

I know Grant doesn't look too sad in this picture, but he was.  

Here are some pictures I dug up of the two of them over the past couple years.

Early day brothers:                           Thought Luke needed a pair of sunglasses on

Little Redhawk Day and surprise guest

Friday morning we headed out early to Kingsville for Little Redhawk Day.  I think I blogged about it last year... oh, maybe I didn't, I can't remember... but it's a fun morning planned for the "little redhawks" in the squadron that included rides in the simulator, walking up to the control tower, checking out the inside of the T-45 and a visit from the firemen and of course, the fire truck.  Grant was the first one to help "squirt" the fire hose.  The morning ended with a pizza party and a big temper tantrum from my tired Luke.  

When we got home I put both boys down for a nap and although I had a lot to do, since we were having friends over for supper, I still couldn't resist taking a nap myself.  I must have fallen asleep immediately since I was woken up from a deep sleep by a knock on the door in my bedroom, which leads out to our back patio.  No one ever knocks on that door so I was a little startled.  I figured it was a neighbor that didn't want to ring the door bell, but still, it was strange.  As I opened the blinds I saw my mom standing there!  My mom said I had the strangest look on my face as I was trying to process it all and make sure I wasn't dreaming.  I really would have never guessed my mom would have done something like that.  She said she knocked on the front door with no answer and she didn't want to ring the doorbell in case the boys were napping (smart thinking Mom) so she decided to go to the back.  She knew we were having company that night so she didn't think we would be gone anywhere, at least for long. She DROVE all the way from Pensacola!  Poor thing, even had car trouble in LA and had to leave it there to get fixed.  Thankfully Enterprise picked her up and she got a good deal on a rental car. The boys were thrilled to see her when they woke up from their naps and we had such a fun weekend.  Unfortunately it was a short trip and she had to leave this morning after lunch since she has to start teaching again this week.