Mazes and Cars

Sure, my kids can fight. Sometimes, they bug each other, and I'll hear an indignant (and loud), "Lizzy!" from Peter, and an equally indignant (and loud), "Mom! Can't you just put him in his bed?!" from Lizzy. They've even been known to give an occasional bonk to the other when they're feeling really mad. But I must say, and this is the truth, more often than not they play together, and this is just, for me, the most wonderful thing to behold. I really must give them both a lot of credit. Lizzy, as the leader, often finds ways to include Peter. And Peter, he's so good natured that he goes along with the game, but as he's gotten older, and more opinionated, he has his own good ideas to contribute too. Lizzy wanted to make a maze out of the magnatiles the other day. Peter, as he often does, lurked around trying to see what she was doing, and how he could join in. He wanted to make houses for cars- their usual go-to game. Through teamwork (and some quality negotiating power from mom), they figured out how to make the maze together, and then Peter was in charge of "racing" the cars. Lizzy had many elaborate ideas of how the cars were teamed together, where the maze started and ended, and where the cars should "rest", but somehow it was okay with her (she must have imagined it was following her plan) for Peter to line the cars up, just the way he always does. I've said it a million times, but my kids are the greatest gift to one another. I can't imagine one without the other. They are so different, have such unique strengths and personalities, but someone they bring out the best in each other. Peter has taught Lizzy patience, empathy, teamwork. Imagine having to constantly work with someone that's not at your level, that can't do all the things you can, that wants to be with you all the time, and, if you don't figure out how to include them, will become the ultimate anchor around your neck. Not only does Lizzy include Peter, she enjoys him. She mothers him, protects him, cares for him, and cheers him on. Lizzy has taught Peter to try new things, to enjoy the unexpected, to explore and love the world around you. For an "observer," it can be daunting to dive into something new, but Peter does it with such zest when he's with his sister. We are in such a fun time of life with these two, and we so appreciate how much they love each other. I'm thankful for it every day.