Forbidden Fruit

Is there anything more elusive and appealing, as the youngest child, than the forbidden treasures of your older siblings? My oldest collects these tiny animal toys, and they are the only things in her room that the baby is not allowed to play with. Clearly this makes them all the more attractive, and much of our day is spent corralling her out of the tiny animal village.

Yes, I know I should have moved her from the room instead of taking these pictures (as I was so clearly reminded by my oldest when she came home from school) but I couldn't help but admire the determination in the little one's efforts.. all the stools gathered up.. reaching on little tippy toes.. and I couldn't help but think how someday we will have these battles over sharing clothes, makeup, (even boyfriends! ack!) and how precious it is that these treasures mean nothing to the baby, except that her big sister thinks they are special... which makes them worth their weight in gold.