{practical joke}

Tonight, I do believe, the very first non-parent-led practical joke was carried out in our home.  Claire and I were in a deep educational discussion shortly before bed.  I sent Amelia and Meredith back to their room for a bit so that Claire and I could finish our conversation.

Claire headed back to her room while I read to Meredith and Amelia.  Claire obviously didn't get into her bed {top bunk} before I was finished reading to the girls.

We all headed back to their room and chatted for a bit before they climbed in bed.  Claire began to climb her ladder, turned around, and said, "Who did this?!!  Who got in my bed?!!"

I had no clue what was happening.  I looked over at Meredith, and she had the biggest grin on her face!  It was hilarious.  I said, "I don't know what happened to your bed, but Meredith looks awfully guilty!"  We all laughed.

I checked out the bed, and there were Duplo blocks scattered all across Claire's bed.  Nothing major, but Meredith and Amelia were laughing so hard.  They were so proud of themselves.

{natural instincts}

Tonight while I was washing the pots and pans after dinner {this in itself is shocking, I know},  Olivia pulled out several bowls and measuring cups from the lazy susan.  She placed them in a nice neat line on the edge of the counter.

She chose the smallest one, sat on the floor, wrapped it in a dishtowel, and then proceeded to rock it and sing it a sweet little song.  The tune and the words were made up entirely by her and unrecognizable to us.  This did nothing but make it ridiculously adorable.