2 Years, 5 Months

The boys are speaking in complete and increasingly complex sentences. They like to list the steps to be undertaken, for example, "get shoes on, and then jacket, and then go outside!" (they love the "and then" connecting phrase and say it with great relish). They will enthusiastically declare their love for all sorts of things, from choice colors to favorite toys, and even occasionally Mom or Dad. 

They like to contradict our no's with "actually, yes!" They seem to think "actually" is a word that somehow changes our answer to theirs. 

They are funny little gentlemen. They will greet you with a cheerful "good morning!" and shake your hand with a smiling "how do you do?" They will also clink cups and say "cheers!" I'm not sure who taught them these things, but they are amusing. 

Jack

Oh, Jack. What can we say about Jack?

Jack loves Daddy, Blue Bunny and his cowboy hat:

He also loves his rabbit lovey ("Rabby") and vehicles large and small (showing off the cool green motorcycle he found at preschool):

Jack has a sensitive side. Here he holds the ice pack he retrieved to his jackrabbit's head after accidentally "injuring" the toy:

Jack seems to be fascinated by how things work. He loves to disassemble (and attempt to reassemble) things, particularly the little flashlights we keep around the house. He routinely "fixes" his bike.

Jack studies the local children's museum's light piano:

Jack is always ready to head out on an adventure...

... always with proper safety gear and water, of course!

Jack likes to smile for the camera, and will say "cheese!"

Jack is also too cool for the rest of us...

... is a dedicated schemer...

... a thoughtful observer...

... and a helpful friend (fetching a receipt from Kasey's car).

Jack enjoys his play tools and seems to have picked up something approximating proper use from watching his Dad. Jack uses his toy drill, carefully placing the bit in existing small holes in the crib (for future toddler bed conversion):

Tracing neat lines with the toy circular saw (while wearing his proper hearing protection, which he requested):

Jack continues drilling, Henry serving as construction foreman:

Henry
Now, what to say about sweet Mr. Henry?

Who, me?

Henry is a fantastically adventurous eater, happily trying new things and enjoying the flavors of soy sauce and even horseradish: 

He's a gleeful little imp of a boy. He absolutely delights in minor trouble-making, and fancies himself quite funny. My favorite exchange of his so far began with him picking up his freshly college-graduated Cousin Perry's book and flipping the pages. Perry earnest asked Henry, "what's that book about?" Henry replied, with a big grin, "hokey pokey book!" ('cause that's what it's all about).

Henry takes his beloved teddy bear for a rocking horse ride:

Henry is also a budding do-it-yourself-er. Here he explores the laundry room with the stud finder.

Nope, no studs in the washing machine...

... or the instant pot...

... or the back door.

Henry loves to go for walks and will chat up anyone he comes across, opening with a upbeat "good morning!" or a cheerful "hi!"

Having fun at the park:

Rolling off on another adventure:

Brothers
Sometimes sweet, often warring, mischievous little dudes. They have wonderful moments of compassion and kindness, like bringing each other ice packs and stuffed animals for comfort, and sharing their toys and food. And then there's times like last weekend, when Jack chucked a frozen burrito he'd acquired at Henry's head, leaving a large lump and bruise.

Reading time (Henry in stripes, Jack in yellow):

The boys are displeased that Daddy gets to use the circular saw to cut rebar outside while they're stuck inside, watching with Mom (Jack left, Henry right):

Playing, not so much together, but in close proximity (Jack left, Henry right):

The boys get interesting ideas for playtime. This particular morning, they wanted to play with their toys in their beds.

Jack plays with his selected toys, carefully lining up his cars while the animals remain safely corralled in their bin:

Henry builds a curvy train track on his bed:

Enjoying swings at the park with Daddy (Henry joyfully watching a bird fly by)...

... sometimes with extra accessories (helmets and backpacks because... toddler reasons):

Dress-up time!
Puppy Jack tries to get Tiger Henry to face the camera and smile:

Tiger Henry, complete with awesome paw slippers:

Puppy Jack, scuttling away with purse in tow:

Puppy-tiger Henry reads with Jack:

New Year's Trip
We went to visit Steve's folks while we had some time off around New Year's.

Playing at a Davis park on the way to the grandparents' house, Jack on the springy motorcycle:

Henry, snuggled into his car seat:

At our destination, opening some Christmas gifts with Grandma, Jack shows off the little plushy penguin Dad bought him:

Examining their piano play mat from Grandma (Jack left, Henry right):

The boys are so spoiled because it's so fun to buy stuff for them.

Fix-it Jack tries to help Dad get the TV up and running: 

One of the boys' favorite activities at their Loveridge Grandparents' house is "using" the microwave. The boys track down their favorite step-stools, then proceed to "cook" in the microwave (with close supervision, of course, since the stove is adjacent). They absolutely love loading food in, opening and closing the door, and pushing the buttons.

Boys hard at work, wearing festive winter PJ's from Aunt Staci and Uncle Lee:

Jack brings play food to "cook":

The highlight of this trip, for Steve and Jack at least, was getting to try Cousin Camdan's hover-board-go-cart-thingy (thanks, Cam!). The boys, after their first ride:

And off we zoom into the new year...