Thinking outside the box

I think it's safe to say that George and Alan will turn anything they can pick up into a toy. 

In the past five years, we've watched them toss around traditional equine playthings 

(jolly balls, traffic cones, fly masks, manure forks, wheelbarrows), 

as well as the not-so-traditional: chairs, pails, hats, tree limbs, swimming noodles, ranch vehicles, tripods, pillows, etc.

I feel it is incumbent upon me as a responsible equine mom to offer George and Alan a stimulating intellectual environment 

which will nurture their curiosity, tap into their creativity and, perhaps most importantly,

provide more fodder so this blog will live to see another day.

Herewith is yesterday's educational activity.

When offered the choice of an open box or a closed box, Alan went straight for the closed.

Perhaps he thought it contained treats.

It did not, so he tried to eat the box instead.

Me: Alan, you're missing the point here. Spit it out.

Lucy: Silly boys and their toys...

Alan: Let's go find something to put in the box.

Alan: You could help, you know. Why do I have to do all the heavy lifting?

George: It's really not that heavy. I don't know what he's complaining about.

George: Wait up!

Alan: Sometime today, George.

Alan: Hey, Lucy! Put something in my box!

Lucy: I'd like to stuff you in there, you little pest.

Alan: I think I need a bigger box.