Lifeguard on Duty

The boys are beginning to use deductive thinking.  On our way to the park, they observed that the windmills were moving slowly.  Andrew explained he knew it wasn't windy, because the treetops weren't moving.  

They are also trying to teach me new lessons.  "Daddy says, 'It's time to clean up your mess.'  We say, 'Can you please help me clean up the mess?'  and he says, 'If you made the mess, you need to clean it up.'"  I don't think he learned that from his mother.  She likes and needs help to clean up her messes.

A year ago, they played independently at the park and didn't pay much attention to each other.  Now, Nathan   keeps a close eye on his brother, asking, "Where's Andrew?" whenever he was out of sight.  They enjoyed doing the double sliding board together.  But their favorite activity at the park is sitting on a park bench having snack.  It reminds me of the Paul Simon song, "Old friends, sat on the park bench like bookends."

It was a hot day, which is perfect for Auntie Doctor's pool.

Nathan has learned to ask very quietly if he can use my Motorola tablet.  I'm pretty sure he doesn't want his brother to know he has it.  Then he will surely want a turn.  I see a politician in the making, or a psychiatrist.

The boys like to play Aunt Smashers on the Xoom.  The sound effects are pretty squishy.  But the bee makes them step back, as if they were real.  Perhaps this is where Nathan's aversion to bugs comes from.

The doctor/lifeguard is on duty.  Andrew kept asking if Auntie Becca would go into the pool with them. I told him I thought so, since she had her suit on.  He shook his head and said he didn't think so.  Never underestimate Auntie Becca! 

Two in the pool is much more fun.

Andrew told me he wasn't sleepy.  I told him to try taking a quick nap before swimming.

I don't know what he was dreaming, but it must have been wonderful.

And three in the pool is the most fun.  

While in the pool Andrew alerted us that his back "bubbled."  Oops!

Nathan was in the pool trying to talk to Andrew.  He would repeat over and over, "Andrew..., Andrew...., Andrew..."  Eventually, he tried, "Andrew, say, 'Yes, Nathan?'"  Andrew would silently move to another corner of the pool.  Nathan followed him from corner to corner repeating his request.  Finally Andrew responded, "YES, NATHAN!"  I think Andrew may be the third generation to display his grandfather's communication style.

Nolan arrived and is ready for a swim.

Nolan is amazed at what his cousins can do.

He's just about certain he would like to join them.

This is so much bigger than my bathtub.

Matt and Megan explained that Nolan has a new schedule now and then left him in our care.  All went well, until we came to bedtime.  He had a "scheduled" catnap, followed by his feeding, and then a catnap replaced the deep sleep on the schedule!  When he realized he was still at Gramma's he was all smiles.  I'm not sure if Nolan and his parents discussed this new schedule, but Nolan was set to party.  Gramma and Grampa took turns trying to bore him.  Nolan seems to think we are more exciting than most people would believe.