2 Years, 4 Months

The boys' language skills have exploded over the past month. The most common sentence uttered currently is an indignant "Jack/Henry do it!" to stop me or Steve from doing whatever thing we're trying to get done. My favorite sentence so far has been "Henry loves Mommy," although "Henry miss Mommy" when he came home from school today was pretty good.

Thanksgiving
On a rainy travel day to the grandparents' house in the Sacramento area, we stop at a park for some playtime.

Henry, cozy and napping in the car:

Jack, sharing his opinion on napping in the car via facial expression:

Continuing fun playing in the rain at our destination. Henry:

Jack:

The boys delight in playing ball with Aunt Natalie and Cousin Rosie: 

A vision of my future, my boys playing video games (on cousin's unattended Nintendo Switch):

Henry bakes cookies with Grandma:

Henry delighted in observing the domino games (with Uncle Jon, Aunt Jessica and Aunt Natalie):

Henry arranging his own domino game:

Watching the action with Jack and Daddy (their Thanksgiving shirts say "Will Trade Brother for Pie" and "Feast Mode"):

The boys found their grandparents' big Christmas tree very exciting.

Henry admires the pretty lights with Daddy:

Jack shows his appreciation for the decorations:

That child may be destined for the theater.

The boys did their best to help decorate (Jack in Steve's arms, Henry hanging ornaments)...

... though Henry spent quite of bit of time un-decorating as well.

Jack's favorite game this trip was to use a step stool to access the microwave and pretend to cook. Taking a break on said step stool:

"Napping" in the hallway, Jack's reaching for his beloved blue bunny, Henry holding one of Grandma's bears:

The boys absolutely loved Grandma's decorative statue of children reading.

Jack wanted to sit with them and requested that I take a picture:

Henry gives hugs to the statue-kids while Jack gives a pat:

Visitors
Earlier in the month we were fortunate to have my folks visit us in Santa Cruz to play with the boys and help us accomplish some things around the house.

Jack reading with Grandpa:

Jack delighting in "driving" Grandma and Grandpa's truck:

Jack's favorite thing in the world is pretending to drive. I'm concerned it's dangerously close to not just pretending...

Jack
Demonstrating how not to ride your trike in the house:

Jack also likes to stand and balance on his trike, which drives his mother crazy. Jack is an energetic, inventive, wild little man.

Who, me?

He's not sure about Mom's assessment:

Jack in the box. Get it? Uh, yeah, duh Mom:

Celebrating Nanny Kasey's birthday with a shiny party hat:

Jack points in the direction his foam rocket party favor flew:

Helping Kasey bring her lunch home from the market:

Henry
Henry is a hardworking, sweet and stubborn little dude. Wonder where he gets that from... (::cough::Steve::cough::)

Henry has no idea what Mom is talking about, he's always a ray of sunshine: 

Showing off a dress-up hat with Daddy at preschool:

We are so proud of little Henry. The staff at preschool offered to add an extra day to Henry's schedule for no charge simply because they love having him there (seriously, the executive director said that). He helps clear the table after meals, is an enthusiastic participant in clean-up time and circle time, and loves doing the planned craft activities.

Long after the other kids had lost interest and moved on the other pursuits, Henry does paper mache with one of his teachers.

Henry loves crafts, puzzles and card games. He's also a huge fan of Play-Doh. 

Showing off his stamped Play-Doh circles:

Henry also has a keen appreciation of all things fuzzy and/or cuddly.

Henry carefully puts Hen-e-phant down for a nap on the red pillow, before settling down himself:

Henry requests Daddy wrap him up in all of the blankets:

Little plaid-wearing Henry with his beloved plaid-wearing Daddy:

Running Wild at Home
Jack showing off his retro Disneyland ("Mickey!") shirt (which belonged to me as a child) while Henry grins in the background:

Building train track together (Henry left, Jack right):

Jack escapes the bathroom pants-less, tries to blend inconspicuously with Henry reading at the table and eating grapes:

Henry wants you all to take note of his Mom and Dad's amazing parenting by showing off his bowl of whipped cream:

Jack, however, disapproves of dessert photography:

The boys are turning out be wonderfully different and delightful little dudes. We are so fortunate they have been so healthy and (usually) happy.