Mostly they grew. They are so big now... It's hard to believe they are the same tiny critters we brought home three months ago.
They were changing colors too, especially Mark.
He was grey at some point, then he turned more dark, then he had a dark "cap" on his head and a stripe along his back. Now he's very dark grey, almost black.
We tried to get them to swim during the heatwave - as described in this video. They both seem amused by water and love fishing seashells out of the water but they don't like putting hind legs in water so they usually just sit near it. I guess this means we're still at Step 1 but at least it kept them cool during hot days.
"Check it out, we totally have a pool!"
We let the water trickle and they tried to catch it.
And a close-up because he is so cute:
Another close-up:
"Mooom, Mark is always on the phone!"
It's interesting that they both sleep with their bellies up a lot. Might be because of the weather, but also might be because they are both ones of the most friendly and easy-going rats I've ever had. They love being around people, like to sit next to me when I watch a movie and are practically lap-rats. Usually rats get like this when they are much older.
They also love this house (it's a gift from a friend). They have another wooden house that can fit both of them but they still like stuffing themselves under it or lying on top of it.