Giggling

Finn "needed" to play outside when we got home today. He brushed the snow off his swing and demanded to be lifted up. I gave him a couple of solid pushes, and he started giggling like mad! I was struck by this moment, first of all, because how often do I just break out into pure laughter? But also, I wondered what exactly about this situation triggered Finn's laughter.

Was he relieved that he fit in his swing, even with his poofy winter jacket on?
Was he simply thrilled to catch snow flakes in his mouth?
Did he realize how goofy he looked in my hat?
Was he delighted by the irony of swinging in the snow?
Did he appreciate Mother Nature's joke, as just yesterday the last of our snow had melted?
Had he forgotten how much fun it is to swing?

--JAK

First Sledding

Making Things Up

The concept of pretend has opened up a whole new world for Finn. He pretends to cook, pretends there are monsters or a bear in the house, pretends to call Grandma or Grampa or his friend Caleb, and, the majority of the time, he pretends to "drive" trains. Our stairs, kitchen, car, and laundry baskets have all become trains. Sometimes Jason or I or other family members are invited to ride the train, sometimes not. Sometimes we need a ticket. Finn is always the conductor. Shouting, "all aboard," is a very important part of the journey. The destination is usually unknown, yet if anywhere, we're going to the North Pole.

Meanwhile, Finn makes up occasional stories or tidbits. A few weeks ago, when the high temperature for the day was in the single digits, Finn told me all about walking to the library with Margie and the other kids. (Completely made up!) He will sometimes say this or that happened at Margie's and he cried. (Usually not true.) When I ask him if he had any time-outs at Margie's that day, he always says, "No." (50/50 chance.)

When talking about brothers and sisters, Finn will tell you, "I have a sister." "Really, what is her name?" "Calvert is my sister." (Calvert is our cat and happens to be male.)

--JAK

Toddler Logic

Since Grampa taught Finn how to pillow fight back in October, our rule has become, "You can only pillow fight with Grampa." Sometimes Finn adds, "and Grandma," but no, Grandma does not like pillow fights. Tonight Finn was wacking me with his stuffed duck (some of you might remember Sunshine), saying, "Duck pillow fight." As if a duck pillow fight is clearly different than a regular pillow fight and therefore allowable. No such luck, bud!

--JAK

Frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico

Christmas on Sanibel

You can view more pictures from the adventure here.