The thing about Christmas vacation is that the whole family is jammed into the house in a cold, dark season. This gives us expanded opportunities to hear from the children. The Understudy, at nearly 11, is a poised and reasoning girl. Shackleton, at 7, is a gentle and surprising creature. He says things that we feel we should write down, but, as with so many things, we generally fail to follow through. Since we have a bit of a break now, I managed to get a few onto the hard drive. Here ya go. Forgive me if it turns out these are things that only near relations would find amusing.
Things Shackleton has said that amuse us.
1.) Yesterday, while building with Legos on the stairs:
“I made up a song about Iraq Obama [he’s confused by the new President’s name. No matter how many times we explain]:
“Mr. O- ba- ma!”
(to the tune of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”).
That’s as far as I got.”
2.) While riding in the car one day, a propos of nothing:
“Actually, some people do mess with Texas.”
3.) Shackleton does not like to go upstairs alone . When his sister asked him why, he said:
"Because if you come with me and we see a ghost we can fight him -
Together!"
3.) After changing into his swim trunks at the community pool this week (in the manner of the announcer on those endlessly repeating “Bowflex” commercials).
“If you want to get ribs like these, call 802 977-9999”
