Third time's the charm.

We have a lot of small amounts of leftovers from the meals of the week, so for dinner I brought the boys to the highly acclaimed Anderson Restaurant. I wrote up a quick little menu for each of them and listed all the things they could choose to eat and drink, with little boxes next to the item for them to check what they wanted.

It was such a big hit. They were exhausted from hours of play, but as soon as they heard me welcome them to the restaurant, show them their seats and hand them each a menu, they were completely engrossed in the play, and they immediately adopted a very gracious and polite manner in everything they did and said. They were delighted, under a very mature and sophisticated guise.

I pretty much knew what each of them would choose, but I think they really liked having the choice. Who wouldn't. We had so much fun with it, and the charade lasted the entire way through dinner, with them asking the waitress questions and complimenting the chef. I think we should do this all the time. It encourages dinner etiquette, it's killer easy, it makes 3rd time leftovers exciting again, and it's really fun. :)

Right of Passage

Jonathan told me when he got home from school today that at lunch recess he got "huddle-trust." He told me that that means he was allowed into the huddle of a club that a few of his friends have, and is now a part of the huddle when they are making plans and deciding on imaginary story lines to play. He shone when he told me about it, happy and proud and bashful almost. I love it - Getting a glimpse into what's important on the playground to a 6 year-old, and that they even have a specific name for being initiated. Brings me back to what it feels like to be young and out at recess, learning how the social world works and seeing how you fit in it all. It may be silly, but I'm glad he's accepted by his friends at school, and that he feels like he's part of the group. How cool to get huddle trust, and to be in a club.

Overheard the other day :

John: "Seth, how does it feel to have a mom that is so beautiful?"
Seth: "Good. (Pause) . . . We're happy to be a family."

I just wonder how on earth I got so lucky. I love these boys.