The funny things that kids say

 

Today my niece was telling me about concerns her 5- and 6-year-old sons are having about the current state of affairs in America.   

Her 5- and 6-year-old sons are concerned about our president “doing drugs.”  The logic is obvious:  they are taught during Red Ribbon Week at school that alcohol is a drug.  Of course, the kids have constantly heard  this week that the president will be sitting down for a beer with a college professor and a police officer.  What are the boys to think?  Better yet, how is a parent to respond?

When I told her I thought her kids were hilarious, she responded:  

I know…. they drive me crazy with all the questions.  Is there a manual somewhere? Maybe I should try Google as (he) told me the other day… to “just Google it” when I could not answer a question for him.

These kids are just too smart!

(PS.  While searching for an image of Obama with a beer – which was very simple! – I found this great pictorial site:  www.uhmerica.us )

 

A little relaxation

Aggie’s friend is having a piano recital this afternoon.  The friend and her mom stopped by to see if Aggie wanted to attend the recital with them.  I told Aggie she could go but she would need to shower first. 

She excitedly gathered her clothes and then asked if I could start her shower.  I told her I thought she could manage to start her own shower as she has done so many times before  — we’re always working on increasing independence!  Aggie tried to tell me she is never able to get the water temperature regulated, so I told her I would give her a little trick.  I told her all she needed to do was to turn on the bath faucet instead of the shower and the water will heat up more quickly. 

She hesitated briefly and then said, “I think I’ll just take a bath…that will be more relaxing anyway.” 

Maybe it’s just me, but since when do 10-year-olds need to relax?

 

Santa Jack and his holiday adventures

This is Santa Jack:

He brings wet kisses and lots of fur to children all around the house.

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The only reason Jack-Jack cooperated with this photo was because he knew he was already in trouble.   Earlier today, he and his compadre, Lucy, ran out the front door all by themselves.  The first time, it wasn’t so bad.  I just noticed they weren’t hanging around at my feet as they usually do,  so I began to call them.  No response.  I called again.  Still nothing.  So,  I went to the kids’ rooms to see if they and their friends had involved the dogs in an imaginative game of “hostage,” but unfortunately the dogs were nowhere to be found.  I quickly opened the front door, called them, and lo and behold… it was a Christmas miracle, they both playfully bounded from the front lawn to the inside of the front door.  Whew!  That was a close one.  About 2 hours later, however, a visitor left the front door ajar as she stepped inside.  While no one was looking, the dogs were out like a shot of lightning.  Of course, I called, but no one came.  I took off down the sidewalk calling loudly, “Jack!  Lucy!  Come!”  Yet no one came.  Those two dogs even went different directions.  It’s as if they had been sitting around inside planning it all out.  “I’ll go left…you go right…we’ll meet at the hydrant down the street to regroup.”  It took a while, but Jack finally came to me.  I guess he was getting a little tired…and hungry.  Then there is Lucy.  It was as if that little pup had suddenly become one of Santa’s reindeer!  She flew around like she had the fire of Santa’s sleigh in her belly.  I was not amused.  Luckily, Jack and Lucy befriended some passers-by and as I dragged Jack by his collar several blocks down the street, the kind strangers asked as they grabbed Lucy by her collar, “Is this one yours too?”  Yes…by all means, yes.  We were lucky though.  A car was driving by and Lucy knows nothing of fear (well, at least not of cars…she is very familiar with fear associated with cameras (who knows why!) and loud, unusual noises…but no, not cars!).  The kind strangers called to her as she ran into the street, then they scooped her up and asked if they could bring her back to her home.  YES, kind strangers, please… YES.  So, they did just that.  They rendered help to a fellow man (woman)…and saved the day for human and canines.  …and that my friends is the tale of Santa Jack.    Merry Christmas to all…and to all a good night. 

For the photo, Jack  knew he better sit still and indulge the rest of us in a little holiday merriment.  He didn’t even budge.  

Just for kicks, here’s photos of the pups right after their neighborhood excursion.

 

“Hey Lucy, lay low… and maybe she’ll forget our little adventure.”

 

A last hurrah

As the beginning of  a new school year approaches quickly, we decided to take a weekend trip to Orlando this past weekend.  Our friends (who have 3 kids) joined us on our trip.  Our original plans included one day at Aquatica and the rest of the weekend was supposed to be relaxing.  Our plans changed a bit due to rainstorms on Saturday, so what did we do?  We bumped a day at Aquatica to Sunday and spent most of the day Saturday (after the storms passed through) at Sea World! 

I had not been prepared for a day of walking at Sea World, so what did I do?  I made a quick trip to the local factory outlet stores to buy a new pair of walking shoes (as well as a new shorts and a t-shirt!).  I shopped in record time (about 30 minutes!) since the kids were dying to get to Sea World and our friends were meeting us there.  The shoes and shorts definitely paid off and we had a great time.  My favorite show was the “Believe” show with Shamu.

     

(Check out the trainer flying through the air!)

The kids enjoyed the “Pets Ahoy” show where animals adopted from the local humane society are the performers.  The animals actually live at Sea World upon adoption.  There were dogs, cats, geese, parrots, a rat, and even a skunk!  

We all enjoyed the chance to pet a dolphin. There were scheduled dolphin feedings – which we happened to walk up to – and were lucky enough to pet a dolphin as it swam near us.  Who doesn’t love dolphins?

The next day we headed to Aquatica bright and early – 7:30 am (that is bright and early on vacation).  We were told MANY times to arrive early as the park often closes to visitors by 10 am due to being at capacity.  THAT was a good tip!  We arrived by 8 am and were in the park by 8:15.  All of the chairs under large umbrellas were already taken!  The park had only been open for 15 minutes!!!  Oh well…we were lucky enough to find plenty of chairs out in the sun.  My favorite attractions was Roo’s Rapids.  I can’t tell you how much I laughed while floating around the loop of easy rapids with the family and friends.  Due to the high number of park visitors there were a couple of close encounters since the water shoves you along in some areas – without any concern for the man two inches in front of you who you are trying to avoid plowing into or the guy behind me whose feet ended up between between mine as we both tried to make an exit!  He said, “Sorry! I guess I misjudged that one!”   The kids enjoyed the wave pool, the slides, and all the rides.  We were there from 8:15 – 2:30.  I must have put on sunscreen (SPF 50) 4 or 5 times and still ended up with a sunburn.  It was worth it though since we all had a great time and it was our last hurrah for the summer.

 

Tax Day, Schmax Day – Let’s talk birds!

I know today is April 15th…the big tax day.  Yes, we got our taxes completed (with a lot of help!) and promptly e-filed… today.

Well, since it’s not a day I generally celebrate, let’s change the topic.  Remember the bird eggs from a few weeks ago?  We have had fun watching the little ones hatch, open their eyes, and grow feathers.  We also watched the mom and dad mockingbirds watching over the nest.   Now, they are gone – they flew the nest (literally).  I only hope they are out enjoying the wonder of this place we call home. 

Here’s a few photos to share with your little ones.

 

The early days:  3 very hungry baby birds

 

They are too tired to care that someone is peaking in the nest.  Their eyes aren’t open yet but they are  growing bigger.

 

Now they can see (well, at least one of them is paying attention).

 

I hope they’ll come home for a visit every now and then.

 

Image originally shown at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/images/birds/northern_mockingbird1_small.jpg