The Best Surprise Ever

Last night, I brought Golden the Dog into the boys' room in the middle of the night, and he perched himself on the bed, such that he was pretty-much the first thing that Ian saw in the morning. I don't think Ian knew I was watching him as he woke up to his fluffy little friend. Ian was surprised to see him there, but immediately began petting him, quite thrilled, holding his head next to the dog's. Suddenly, Golden stopped what he was doing and stretched out his jaws wide for a gigantic yawn, extending his enormous tongue, and then curling it upwards in a pattern that can almost be described as graceful. On seeing this, Ian exploded into laughter, clearly doting on his dog's little random acrobatics.

Then Ian asked me: Did you bring him in here?

I said yes.

Ian said, "Thanks!" And then reported to his brother, "Daniel, look what Daddy brought in."

The wonder of it was not wasted on Daniel: "This is the best surprise ever!"

(January 15, 2013)