Jess and I were both somewhat shocked at how good Art was at playing this bugle at the cottage. The video below is from the first day he picked it up. Jessica sent the video to her former youth symphony conductor Manny Laureano (and Principal Trumpet in the Minnesota Orchestra). Watch out!

UPDATED with Manny’s reply: “I’m quaking already. I’m quaking!”

Jessica has always talked about when she was a child her sister Emily and her would spend hours and hours at the beach when they were at the cottage. Doing what? It was hard to imagine. But this past weekend as we spend a few days there I watched as Art and even Lewis would creatively fill time digging, dumping, washing, swimming, pretending, eating. It was a revelation for me and entirely wonderful for the kids.

I’ll post more photos from our weekend tomorrow…

–Sent from my handheld device.–

There are few things more fun than to watch Art and Lew play together on their own. It’s wonderful. Lately they’ve been running around the loop in our house, screaming and surprising each other. Just this morning Lewis was motioning to get out of his high chair. As soon as he reached the floor he started to run around the house, an invitation of sorts for Arthur who knew exactly what it meant. And for the next few minutes they zoomed around in circles laughing and yelling.

So our first ants died (actually, most were DOA) and Josh had a batch of brand new ones sent. And these one are not only alive, they’re hard workers! In an effort to please my brother (who has been leaving funny ant-related comments), this photo will be the first of a 3-part series.

Yesterday I set up our small 2-seater tent in the backyard and it provided some serious entertainment. I loaded it with a big poofy blanket and pillows, and Art and Lew had some hardcore wrestling. It really wonderful to watch Lewis and Art play and laugh together. Art is learning to be gentle at times, but he also knows how to play rough with Lewis in a way that I think Jessica and I aren’t. Right on the edge of injury.

Before bedtime I offered to read Arthur books in the tent. He was so excited he could barely control himself. The idea of reading books before bedtime NOT in his bed in itself is sort of shocking. But to do it OUTSIDE and in a TENT? I have to admit, I was pretty excited, too.

He copies everything Art does.  Today I finally saw what Ben had been telling me about for the past week or so – Lewis coming over to the toilet after Art has gone and pulling at his shirt and pants.  So funny!  But it's all show.  I took his diaper off and he just smiled and laughed.  No action.