Cabin Fever

It's not even the end of February, and the Brothers YZ have a bad case of cabin fever. According to the weather people, it has been a mild winter, but that still means lots of time in the house and not enough opportunity to burn energy in a safe manner. This weekend poor Liam has taken the brunt of Evan's pent up energy. It seems as if every time we blink, Evan is knocking Liam over, hugging him around the neck, or making a toy fly (i.e. throwing) in his direction.

Fortunately, we had a brief respite from the cabin fever yesterday with a trip to Providence to see our friend Barbara and visit the Providence Children's Museum. With temperatures in the 40s, we were able to spend some time at the playground in our old neighborhood. It was the first time Liam has been able to explore a playground on two feet, and he loved it. Of course, he enjoys any opportunity for taking ride on a swing.

Alas, the wind quickly reminded us that it is February in New England, and we headed to the Children's Museum to join hundreds of other parents also in search of active, indoor entertainment. Despite the crowds, the Brothers YZ had a wonderful time especially in the age 4 and under play area where they could dress up like woodland critters and explore the "forest." Evan also loved the construction site where the kids can work on a bridge. The construction site even includes a crane that lifts beams (foam, of course) up to the bridge. I can't believe that Evan gave up the driver's seat in the crane, but there were some older girls on the bridge with the delivery truck that caught his attention. Evan did rush down the ladder of the bridge when he saw his little brother surrounded by some older boys. Evan put himself between Liam and the boys and told them in a serious tone, "This is my brother Liam." Later I asked him about his actions, and Evan told me, "I was worried that they would pester him so I saved him." Thus, Liam was available for Evan's pestering for the rest of the weekend.