At Least They Are Listening!

I really should know, by now, that I live with 3 parrots. They DO listen, and will throw what I say right back at me, usually at a very awkward time.

This morning, Benjamin and Thomas were having issues- I don't really even know over what, as I tune a lot of their back and forth quibbling out in the interest of letting them each learn how to deal with conflicts and resolve them. Anyway, Benjamin very LOUDLY yelled at Thomas, "STOP arguing with a 3 year old!" I really about fell out of my chair! I say this to Thomas quite often! He seems to have inherited my compulsion to argue until I am either 1) found to be correct, or 2) my opponent gives up. This works in a discussion about the dynamics of American Politics, or the reasons behind the Civil War. This DOES NOT work well when you are trying to reason or win an argument with a 3 year old! I pray my eldest some day learns this lesson. As of right now, he has not, and things can get a bit heated, with Thomas determined to convince Benjamin he is right, and Benjamin having none of it! Thomas usually stomps off in disgust, or ends up being head-butted by Benjamin, who then spends another 3 minutes in time-out! Make for an interesting day here in the Gallaher household!

Yesterday was Thursdays with Friends and we spent about 4 hours out at Three Lakes Park, a cool place to hang out with 3 lakes (tricky, huh?), 3 playgrounds, and a very neat newly restored Nature Center with aquarium. We had a good time with friends and enjoyed the pretty weather, then came home and napped!

Benjamin and Max on one side of the teeter bouncer.Holding on and ready....
Thomas standing on the other side, ready to launch!"We want to go back over THERE!!"Waiting patiently!Oh, and I have discovered that I have to be careful about stressing the need to smile for the camera to the little ones. When I got the camera out this morning to download my most recent pictures, Max started walking over to me looking like this:
Every time I pick up the camera, this is what I get:Then I asked Benjamin to smile and this was the result:When I asked Thomas to smile, he covered his head with a blanket and asked me to please go away. Yes, he IS 14!!