The Doctors

Will: It's time for your check-up.
Me: Oooh. Nice, but I've already had quite a few check-ups. Maybe you could do Gabriel Bear this time instead?
Will: (in a practiced grown-up voice) We just want to make sure that you're growing healthy. Now, don't *tell* me you're growing healthy; we just want to check and make sure. We just need to doctor you for a minute, OK?
Alex: And don't worry; there's only two things that will hurt. We're going to cut your skin open, and we'll give you a shot.
Sign me up!

First pony rides

Will and Alex had never ridden a horse before, but they had a blast at a preschool classmate's birthday party today. They each got to ride a pony for the first time, go on a hay ride for the first time, and pet bunnies, goats, etc.  They had so much fun! It was also great to see they have each made at least one good buddy at preschool so far.

Promising New Career

Will: "I'm a pastor."
Me: "You are? Interesting! Where do you work?"
Will: (after only the slightest pause) "I work at the China Mesazoic Cara-fire Training Center. We teach people kung fu."
Now that's an interesting ministry model!

Bosom Buddies

When I was leaving preschool with A&W today, the music teacher asked me, "Oh! Are they twins?" I said yes and she replied, "Oh wow, I had them for music class and I had no idea they were brothers! I just thought they were bosom buddies."

Rules of the Road

We were discussing going for a walk and Will said very seriously, "Now, Alex. Remember. You have to pay attention and if a car is coming toward you, you have to go either to the right or to the left of the road so it won't hit you. BUT. If it's coming right AT you ... you have to jump on top of it so then you can jump off. OK?"

That was unexpected.

So Will and I were just having one of our semi-heated bedtime discussions about his shenanigans. This one was about how frustrating it is when he throws a tantrum if I don't do something he wants (i.e. spending a few minutes to snuggle with him at bedtime) ... but if I do it (after he asks nicely) then when I'm done he throws a tantrum anyway because he always wants me to stay longer.

I'm always so tired by that point in the evening, and the endless tantrums make it hard to stay calm ... but I did my best to calmly tell him it's frustrating when he throws a tantrum either way and it makes me not want to do it at all because I know he's just going to throw a tantrum when I leave, and it kind of ruins it ... and instead of continuing throwing a fit or getting upset, he actually listened quietly, with a thoughtful look on his face and then said, "That's interesting. I didn't know that." Has someone been teaching communication and conflict resolution skills to my 4-year-old?!

Sometimes, out of the blue, he just seems so grown up.

A Day in the Life of Will (involving lots of hyenas)

Dinner is never boring at our house. We go around the table and ask each person, "How was your day today? What was your favorite part?"

Will has taken to giving answers like the following:
Will's Day

I finally had to cut him off so he could actually eat. Feel free to just watch a minute or two/skip around to get a feel, since it's quite long. (That's my boy! ;))

SuperStore and Separation

Yesterday when he got home from preschool, Alex informed me that he developed a new superhero identity today at the dramatic play center: SuperStore. His superpower is that he can buy things for people.

******

A&W are in the same class at their new preschool, but we requested that they be in separate groups for the "Letter Land" time each morning (40 mins/day) so they'd have a little practice being separated, too. Today was the first day they were separated and I asked them about it at dinner.

Alex got very sad and said, "But I didn't want to be separated, because I love my brother!"

Will looked at him and said solemnly, "It's OK, Alex; we can still be in love even when we're separated."

And preschool has begun

Our most recent whirlwind of activity has included buying a house, moving, and starting the boys at a new preschool. Which means it's time for pics!

And bonus outtakes: