Like Peas & Carrots

Today was 65 fucking degrees out (at least!) and it was LOVELY. For us here in the Midwest, this kind of weather is UNHEARD of in February. We took full advantage of it and took Sophie and Chloë (the dog) up to Jeff’s house – Sophie had mentioned the other day that she wanted to see his house, and of course she also wanted to play with Ethan. This was the third (?) time the kiddos met, I think.

Anyway, Sophie LOVED Jeff’s house, especially his sunroom. I *didn’t* say, “Good, because you might live here some day.” (hehe:)) His backyard IS awesome…it backs up to woods; it was all dirt and honeysuckle when he moved in and he’s done a lot of work and has more plans…

Anyway, Sophie and Ethan got along like peas and carrots. Ethan got Sophie to play guns and Sophie got Ethan to play “mysteries,” one of her favorite made-up games. They would go to the top of the swing/climb thing and “hold meetings.” (Miss Bossy of course was always the one to “call” the meeting – can you tell in this picture who is the bossy one? I’ll give you a hint – Pinkalicious with her hands on her hips).

Well you can’t see it, but Jeff does have a fence back there, and wouldn’t you know it but Miss Chloë went down a ditch and underneath part of the fence. She goes where her nose takes her. After that, we had to watch her, and she was scolded by Sophie several times for going too far back.

Chloë with Ethan’s dog Lexi.

Sophie decided she wanted to solve the “mystery” of what Chloë was smelling back there, so she made a video that I can't figure out how to post right now but it doesn't matter anyway because I never watch anyone's videos online (sorry!) therefore I doubt you'd watch this one sooo....here are the highlights:

• Sophie introduces the video and says something along the lines of, “And we’re off to solve the mystery, right Ethan?” And Ethan just looks at her. So Sophie goes, "Just say 'Yes!'"
• Jeff had given me a Red Stripe and asked me if I knew where it was made and I did. Then I warned him to be appropriate, because this WOULD be posted on the Internets. 
• The first time we had to chase Chloë down after escaping, Jeff had pointed out what he thought were Coyote tracks and Sophie freaked the fuck out and ran back to the gate, even though I told her they only come out at night. She almost did the same thing during the video-making until I reminded her again.
• Sophie freaked out when Ethan pointed to something green and I said, “That’s moss” and she started running back toward the gate until I laughed and said, “Sophie, it’s just a plant; it’s OK”
•  She acted like she wasn’t really scared but I think she was so she declared a “meeting” with Ethan to go over the “clues” they had found.

We spent THREE hours playing outside and Jeff and I sat on his glider for part of that time and all I could think was gosh, is this how easy life could be with two parents and two children? (I know it isn’t!!) (but it was a nice thought, for a moment. It was nice to not have to entertain ALL THE TIME. And also nice that I wasn’t at MY house so I wasn’t thinking of all the things I should/could be doing instead of playing Barbies).

Are you ready for the big reveal? Look at my Jeffery adoring Sophie:

And omigosh you should see the way Ethan looks at her. All goo-goo eyed.

Here they are again:

It was a lovely, lovely day.

(Until the ex came to pick up Ethan, but that’s another story…)

When we got home, Chloë was BEYOND pooped. She’s snoring now at my feet, wondering why we’re not in bed already isn’t it a school night??