Bits and Pieces

These are some of the bits and pieces of the last few days that I just want to record so I remember them:

Alice broke out into "It's a Grand Old Flag" as we drove to camp yesterday.  She then recited the Pledge of Alligance.  Apparently, it has changed a bit.  I think I heard her say something about "invisible witches" and someone named "Elizabeth". 

The theme of her day came is Wydaca Heroes.  One of the crafts this week involved her making a book about one of her heroes.  I was sweetly taken aback when I read the title "My Hero Angela".  Its pages were decorated with pictures of them playing (not a good time to be hormonal).

Angela took on an older boy at the playground who was teasing another older girl.  She told him that she was going to eat his butt.  While I am encouraging her to try new food, I do draw the line at cannibalism.

Angela fell asleep on our way to pick up Alice from camp.  She proceeded to snooze in my arms at the park.  I wish words or pictures could convey the sweetness of this.  The weight of her body snuggled into my arms, the gentle snores, the way the breeze caused her hair to tickle my face.  I watched Alice run around with a friend and realized that snuggle moments like this are becoming fewer which made that current one seem even more special. 

Puggie running out of the playroom wearing one of the pink dress up ballgowns and an elaborate necklace.  Angela, who has difficulty dressing herself, apparently had no problems decking Puggie out in a fabulous outfit.  Kudos to the dog for putting up with such treatment.  She got a handful of carrots for her troubles.

Requirements for a Good Mate

If my daughters ever ask me what to look for in a good life partner, I will tell them that you need to find someone who has a good sense of humor and a strong sense of self.  These qualities are particularly essential if children are part of the family equation, as evidenced from the scenarios below:

Example of Why One Needs a Good Sense of Humor

John and I have a tradition of bringing the girls to Five Below and having them pick out gifts for our birthdays, Mother's Day and Father's Day.  Not only is it hilarious to see what they pick out; but, it is even better to hear their rationale for the presents.  The latest trip to Five Below was for Father's Day. Alice and Angela agreed on a super soaker for John (along with a stuffed Spongebob Squarepants, a set of electric blue headphones, an unheard of movie and a lollipop).  Given the enjoyment it gave him in the pool, I have to say their selection was spot on and it was five dollars well spent.  In particular, he took great delight in dousing Angela's butt which was peeping out from her little boy shorts.  She mostly found it funny, but at one point, she got frustrated as it kept breaking her concentration.  Seeing this frustration, John, of course, only sprayed her even more.  Angela reached her breaking point and yelled, "Jackass" at him.  Our reaction was probably not the best one.  We cracked up.  There is nothing like a three year old calling her dad a "jackass" on Father's Day.  I guess it is only fitting.  She crawled into bed with me on Mother's Day just to moon me. 

Example of Why One Needs a Strong Sense of Self

On weekend mornings, the girls like to snuggle with us in our king sized bed.  It sounds cozy and sweet.  However, it loses those feelings when one realizes it is around 6 in the morning.  Weekend snugglefest is our way to snag a few extra minutes in bed.  Sunday morning John was a bit more grogy than usual (late innings on a Yankee game).  He stretched and yawned when the girls hopped into bed.  The yawn must have sounded melodic to Alice's ears.  Afterwards she commented, "Daddy, you sound just like a princess."  Yep, nothing like having your masculinity called into doubt even before that first cup of coffee.