What a pair these two are. Ian is always the very outgoing boy. Always making new friends at the park, always talking to the other children, and encouraging interaction. Lexi is usually spotted not to far away from him, gathering bravery and mimicking his playful attitude. After a while she tends to wonder off, attracted by a beautiful flower, or baby tree and continues to play on her own. Rarely are these two ever in social situations apart from each other, and recently Lexi wasn't allowed to go to Mc Donalds with Ian and I because of bad behavior (she really needed a nap).
Watching Ian without his other half was very revealing. Gone was his "bigger than life" personality, and he barely interacted with the other children in the play zone. I found this odd, Ian is always very personable, why was today different. He went and tried to strike up conversation, but after a few failed attempts went on his way to play by himself (the two children were a year or so older, and brothers).
It suddenly hit me what was missing in Ian that day that his personality seemed to show a new light, and it was Lexi. He was actually asking to leave because he missed "baby" and made sure I brought home a happy meal for her.
The dynamic that the two of them share is so phenomenal and amazing to watch. They're more than brother and sister, they are best friends! The love and respect they have for each other (besides when they are pulling at each other and annoying each other) is so apparent even at this young of an age, that its amazing. So many times I've questioned myself about having them close together, and then things like an occurrence today happen, and I'm so glad they have each other and a best friend for life.
We were on our way to see Santa. Before hand we went to Red Robin for lunch, and after our meal and dress change, we were walking out and they got to pick a balloon. Ian picked a blue one and Lexi and pink. They carried their Balloons all the way to Santa, and even let me hold them while they talked to him about their X-Mas wish lists and photos, and then wanted them back afterwards. They had the best time running through the side walks at the outdoor mall with their balloons chasing them the whole way.
However, on our way to the car, Lexi let hers slip. I cannot even begin to describe how attached and loving Lexi is with her Balloons. She goes berserk whenever she loses one. It affects me in a terrible way too because she acts as though she just watched her favorite stuffed animal get thrown away, she acts very passionately about the balloon. So here comes her other half. Seeing her so distraught, he reaches out to her with his blue balloon, and say's "you can have my balloon baby". It took all I had to keep my tears from falling watching this enormous gesture of giving coming from a 4 year old. Lexi took the balloon, crossed the street, and let go of that one tool. But this time it was okay, brother gave her a hug, and said we'd get another one some day.
Amazing. Just truly amazing the things these little people see, feel, display. Just Amazing. And I'm so proud to have such a neat dynamic duo.
Lexi Ian and Santa
Lexi with her Balloon
