Children say cute things and exhibit unusual reasoning. We usually laugh and forget it until the next cute or wise remark.
I try not to bore people by quoting my great-grandchildren, but sometimes I cannot resist.
Our four-year old twin great-granddaughters often discover a new word, like the way it sounds, and repeat it for several weeks. One of the latest words is “annoy.” They are annoyed by things, situations, and some people.
Four years ago we had the three oldest great-grandchildren here for a few days. Our great-grandson and his sister were here first. We were to meet in Lampasas at a Sonic type drive-in to get their cousin. We arrived early and discovered there was no inside seating. It was a sweltering July day. We decided to go down the street to the Dairy Queen and wait inside. The children were not listening when Ken called our granddaughter and told her the plan change. As we were slowly going around the long drive to the exit, Ken said to the great-grandson, “We are going to the Dairy Queen. You hop out and stay here so you can tell them where we are.” (Ken is prone to tease with the children.) The little boy grew silent in deep thought. He answered with a half frown, worried look on his face, “Well, don’t you think you better tell me what kind of car they are driving?” That was great five year old logic. I laughed and told him granddad was teasing.
The great-grandson is now ten years old. He is wise to Ken’s teasing and can hold his own. The following exchanges occurred this past summer.
Ken sent great-grandson to comb his hair. A short time later, the boy was told to put on sunscreen and a cap before going outside. When he came back inside, Ken told him to take the cap off inside the house.
Great-grandson: “I had to comb my hair before I put on the cap. The cap just messed it up. Why couldn’t I have waited to comb my hair?”
One evening the boy was running in the house.
Ken: “What have we told you about running in the house?”
Great-grandson slowed and started strutting around in a circle. “I am not running. I am strutting.”
Ken: “What would grandmother tell you about strutting?”
Great-grandson: “She would say to strut faster.”
We have a Kubota 4×4 ATV. When great-grandson was about 5 years old, Ken discovered the key had been moved. The little boy had gotten the key with the intent of going for a ride. Fortunately, he was unable to start the Kubota. Ken put the key where he could not get it. This summer he was allowed to drive the Kubota by himself. He was careful, observed the rules and did not abuse the privilege.
After several hours of mowing one afternoon, Ken called and asked me to tell the boy that he needed a taxi at the barn for a ride to the house. The barn is inside a pasture through a gate. Great-grandson went to the barn, picked up his granddad and started the return ride to the house. He opened the pasture gate, drove through, and got out to close the gate. While he was closing the gate, Ken put his foot on the accelerator and the Kubota began to move slowly forward. Great-grandson had to run to catch up.
Great-grandson: “I am going to suspend you from my taxi for that.”
Ken: “Then I will tell everyone this is not a safe taxi.”
Great-grandson: “O.K, I won’t suspend you, but you are going to have to ride in the back.”
We enjoy our time with our great grandchildren. Like their parents did, they are growing up too quickly.