Have I mentioned before that Ella is extremely affectionate towards Claire? If not, let me tell you something: Ella is extremely affectionate towards Claire. She cannot start her day without giving Claire a hug. More hugs are necessary when Claire wakes up from her nap and again at bedtime. Ella also loves to rub Claire's head and give her hearty pats on the back. She tries to snuggle up next to her on the couch. She corners Claire throughout the day and attempts to squeeze her some more. I can't blame her. I often want to do the same thing.
The problem is that Claire is not often amenable to Ella's advances. She pushes Ella away, and if her message isn't getting across she usually accompanies the pushing with an ear-piercing squeal for effect. But every once in a while there is a quiet moment when, as a reward for Ella pushing her all over the backyard in this little pink car, Claire allows herself to be loved by her big sister.
And I get to sit back in the shade and just take it all in.