We usually walk to Ethan’s school in the morning. Well, Matthew would prefer to be walking, but he gets distracted every 10 feet so he has to be walked in the stroller. But Jared and Ethan walk.

Actually, sometimes they run. They have races to the next pole, or sign post.

Sometimes they play spy games where they hide behind fences and bushes, looking for enemies and trying to surprise Matthew and me.

Sometimes they do fighting moves the whole way, with their hands in perpetual karate defense chops and their bodies crouching and leaping into turning kicks.

Sometimes they let me teach them about the trees we see, learning the difference between needles and leaves, pines, redwoods and willows, and the season’s changes.

Sometimes they walk closely, Ethan’s arm over Jared’s shoulder and Jared’s arm around Ethan’s waist, discussing cartoons and movies or making up rules for new games.

Occasionally they trudge along behind me whining that their legs are tired.

But usually they have fun.