Ahh, springtime in Tennessee. A warm, slightly humid day with a storm on the way packing the potential to spawn tornados tonight. There's nothing like it.
LIVING IT UP. Jenna's mantra every morning is: "I don't have to get ready for school, I'm on summer break!" We've all had a lot of fun this week.
AUNT LINDA, YOU'LL LOVE THIS. The other day Vicki was putting on her mascara and Ben asked what she was doing. When Vicki told him he said, "What's 'scara for?" Vicki replied, "I put it on to make me pretty." Ben thought about that for a moment and then said, "But you not pretty!"
Vicki, in mock hurt, asked, "Not even just a little pretty?" With a gleam in his eye he refused to concede to even this small compliment.
MONSTERS, INC. This afternoon I was working upstairs. When I got a little hot I decided it would be a good time to put the air conditioner in the window. Vicki, Jenna and Ben were in their room playing. Hearing me struggle with the A/C he said, "What's that?" Vicki said, "Maybe it's a monster!"
Ben thought about this for a moment and said, "I'm not afraid of a monster." and walked over and checked out the hall. On seeing that everything was clear he turned to Vicki and said, "See, there's no monster." That's when Vicki played the part, opening her eyes in fear saying, "Watch out behind you!!!" This freaked him out and he put ripples in the floor trying to get back to his bed.
Ben realized the joke was on him when Vicki and Jenna began to laugh. This made him stand really straight, put his hands on his hips and retort, "I want you to know I was not afraid!" He took the joke really well and joined in the laughter.
DON'T LEAVE ME OUT. Nate is learning to fend for himself. Whenever he sees anyone sit down to eat, go anywhere, playing, etc. he is right there saying, "Me! Me!"
SHE EARNED HER MONEY. She was warned. I think Nate may have shaken her confidence. No comedian needs a room full of Nates. But we haven't had a family portrait made since September, 2001, and it was high time to have it done. After a two hour photo session I'm not sure we got a good shot. The photographer, her husband, and three kids pulled every trick out of their hats (including two rabbits) to get Nate to smile. I guess it was just that strange looking camera they kept pointing at him. He really is a smiley kid. And I must say they did everything they could to make the session as enjoyable as possible for us. They even served ice cream and cake at the end! (And I'll not even mention Ben here.)
Joe
