KIDS!

KIDS!

When I was young, my brothers and I swam at a public pool in Ashland, Oregon where the Lifeguard would walk out to the end of the low diving board and yell "KIDS!" She was only trying to get our attention to admonish us for "picking the tar out of the bottom of the pool." But, my brother, sensitive to tone, came to believe that "KIDS!" was an epithet, a bad word not to be repeated. Later that same year, he would sneak out onto my grandparent's porch and yell "KIDS!" and run back in the house, convinced that he had gotten away with something nefarious.

Now, kids has a different connotation to me. I find it the most appropriate label for when my kids do or say something that amazes me. I'm fortunate that I have the opportunity to mutter "Kids" often. Sunday was no different, and today, I again had the chance to mutter "Kids." On Sunday, I took my kids, nine year old Lala and six year old Buddy Boy to Five Guys for burgers. It's become somewhat of a routine for us, after soccer, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or any other child centered event when I want to spend some time with my kids.

My son, the six year old, was enjoying his burger and I asked him a question.

"Buddy, do you like that burger?"

"No Dad. I don't like it."

He then paused, smirked and added, "I love it. In fact, I want to marry that burger.

"KIDS!"

Tonight was my daughter's turn. My wife gets the kids out in the morning and, understandably, it's often a bit chaotic and confused. Tonight she asserted, "Tomorrow will be different. We will get up early, take our time and be prepared on time without the chaos.

Lala:     "That's a legend."

Me:      "What is a legend Lala?"

Lala:     "Something that is allegedly true."

Me:      "What's a myth?"

Lala:     Something that isn't true.

Me:      "So, is it a legend or a myth?"

Lala:     "Us getting out on time with no yelling, that's a myth."

Later, Lala outdid herself, in my eyes. Mom is and always has been a bit of a klutz. In college her pledge name was Spaz so it was no surprise tonight when she stumbled over the dog gate and rolled her ankle. What was a surprise was Lala's response.

"Mom, you are a hot mess."

KIDS! indeed.

Spike