MICKEY PLAYS!!!

For a while since Molly's death, Mickey has been an onlooker while Megan and Abby romp all over the downstairs. At times he would take a step and I could almost read his mind saying, "Hey, I sort of remember something like this." But, he was too shy to enter in with them.

Then, a few days ago, Denny was playing fetch with Megan, and Mickey took several steps to the toy that Denny had thrown. Megan returned the hedgehog (pink one!) to Denny and when he threw it again, Mickey reached it before Megan. He hesitated, so Megan grabbed it and took it back. But the next time Denny threw the hedgehog, Mickey dove on it and grabbed it. He picked it up and started to bring it back and stopped after about 2 steps--I think it was the first time he picked up a toy since all his teeth were removed. He dropped it, and you could see him working his tongue to try to get the fuzz off it--it was hysterical.

Tonight I was telling my grandson about how he had played, so we picked up the hedgehog and squeaked it--instant interest!! He followed it with his eyes and chased it when we tossed it, picking it back up and returning it. He did this once or twice, but then settled down and snuggled with the hedgehog.

I swear he gets younger the older he gets!!

He's got that toy!!

Now he hugs it.