The Difference Between Jack and Finn

Oftentimes, people will ask us if Jack and Finn are different from one another.  And if you're a parent of more than one, you know the answer to this question.  Of course they're different!  They might look a little bit alike, but other than their blond hair and blue eyes, they are two very different kiddos.  

Sometimes, something happens that really highlights those differences.  Yesterday, we had one of those 'somethings' where we all looked at one another and said..."And that's the difference between Jack and Finn."  

Henry, our beloved scaly pet of 2 years, died yesterday.

We pretty much expected this would happen after watching his less than enthusiastic swimming performance the day before.  And, indeed, on Memorial day we were forced with a memorial service of our own.

What couldn't be entirely predicted, however, were the reactions of the boys.  John drew the short straw on this one and had to relay the sad news to Jack and Finn.  

Here were their reactions:

Jack: (crying) "Noooo...I loved him so much.  I am going to miss Henry!  WAAAAA!!!"

Finn:  (not crying) "What are we going to do with the tank?  We'll just get another fish.  We could name him Henry the Second.  Yes...that would work."

Jack:  "What will we do with the body?  I don't want to send him back to the water because a huge carp might eat him (crying increases at the thought of such brutality)."

Finn:  "We should bury him."

At a later time during the day my mom was trying to perk Jack.  "We'll clean the tank, and go pick out a new fish...

Jack: "That doesn't sound exciting to me yet.  I still miss Henry."

Finn: "You're gonna die one day, too, Jack."

Jack:  "Yes, but I will be an old, old man."  Henry was only 2.

Jack the Feeler.  Finn the Realist.

Thank you, Lord, for their differences and for adding some balance (and comedy) to our lives!

RIP Henry

Everyone Needs a Slip'N'Slide

Jack and Finn received a Slip'N'Slide courtesy of their Uncle Matt and Aunt Melissa for their 2010 birthdays.  We unveiled the beloved gift a few weeks ago, and the only regret was that we hadn't used it sooner.  We now have a permanent dead grass runway in our yard ready for hours of slippin' and slidin'. 

Jack's first run was a success.  I'd give his horizontal layout a 10 on this one.  Sadly the bubbles we added with some dish soap hadn't made their way to the end of the slide yet, so his first ride was cut a little short.  

But sprightly, brother Finn belly flopped his way to the end helping with bubble distribution, and the rest was history.

There were flamboyant spins and crashes...

back stokes and swirls.

And moms, this is a great water activity, where there is no risk of drowning.  I file this into one of my Awesome Lazy Mom folders.  Your kids think you're Awesome for letting them do it, but you really get to be a Lazy bystander while you read a book or sit and relax.

(And who needs a bath when you've been rolling in dish soap all day???...another great Awesome/Lazy combo.)

 But in all honesty, if it weren't for this preggo belly, I'd be lathered in Palmolive in the blink of an eye.

So, before they sell out...

go to Target

and get a Slip'N'Slide.  Or two.  Summers can be long you know.  

You will have some satisfied customers.