Treasure Hunters

Phoebe and Sophie have discovered the baby game. They crawl around, use whiny voices to speak gibberish, and act completely helpless. It is not my favorite activity. As they started to play it today, I did my best to redirect them. "Why don't you play something else?" And I gave several choices.

Nope, nothing was as good as babbling and rolling on the floor.

Then, in a moment of inspiration, I suggested that they could be treasure hunters. This caught their interest. "Is there a real treasure?!" Quick mom, think fast, do you have a treasure somewhere? I was pretty sure they would find something fun, or that I could go hide something quickly.

My brother Jordan, who is visiting us for a few days, surreptitiously pulled a small box of chocolate from his pocket and slipped it behind a couch cushion.

"Yes," I said, "there's a treasure."

Off they went, scurrying around the house, searching for their prize. They soon enticed Cooper to join their cause, but they weren't having any luck. Phoebe announced defeat several times, then plunged back into the fray. Finally, she asked for a clue.

I looked at the messy couch cushions and suggested that if she did a little tidying up she might find a treasure. A look of understanding passed over her face. Hands on hips, head cocked to one side, she turned to me to share her epiphany.

"Oh I get it, the treasure is a clean house."

Maybe I've talked too much about how wonderful a clean house is?

Peter finally found the chocolate, and there was much rejoicing.