Best Buddies

Patrick and Keith~Summer '11

Yesterday I sat quietly by the pool (before the bee attacked my baby...another story) listening to a story unfold.  Two kids (non HR residents.... another story) were befriending my boys and a game was evolving.  They were picking teams and everyone wanted to be on Patrick's team.  Patrick wanted Keith.  Perfect.  No parental intervention, Keith hadn't even asked to be on Patrick's team yet, but Patrick chose Keith. 

Around my house this summer I'm hearing a lot about "best buddies."  My boys can play for hours and hours with little or no arguing.  It feels a little miraculous and I hesitate to speak of it.  During the school year Keith waits (practically at the door) all day for Patrick to get home.  Now that its summer he has his brother all day long and he is happy. 

They still manage to fight over silly things, including the Lego magazine, yogurt, swords and their sister (She's MY best buddy not yours!  Mom asked me to play with Lauren!).  It could be worse.  Some nights they stay up all night reading in Patrick's room.  Some days they create improbable Star Wars scenarios that carry on for hours.  Some mornings they make sure they are dressed alike.  Everyday they are brothers.