Playdate Overheards

I am learning a lot during these playdates. Here, you have your own kid whom you know intimately and always have. And here, you have this other child that you've agreed to have over, to care for, to watch. I did a lot of observing with Manny and his friend. I think this was best. Even on the drive from school I was reveling in their matching quirks-- you think that they aren't listening to what's being said but then in the most adorable and canny way they respond appropriately. Example: Manny says, "Remember when our class went on that camping trip and we took rocks and threw them in the creek?" Pause. Friend is looking out the window the other way. "Remember that? Hey, do you remember when we did that?" Long pause. And then slowly he turns and wistfully replies, "Of course I do. I remember."

And then this kid was eager to have Geoff home to show them how to animate. Geoff had come into their class for a demonstration last year. "Hey, Manny. Do you think your Dad could animate a hippo with red pants and a frog with no pants at all?"

Also:"I haven't made a video in almost a year but I'm in tip-top shape for it!"

Then at dinner, when Clara dropped her barrette into the lemonade, I said, "Clara, that's mischief. Now no one can have lemonade."

Friend pipes up, "She wanted to see if it would sink or float."

Is it okay to do mischief at your dinner table at home? I asked.

"My Mom loves it when I tinker with science!"

Clara smiles, "Liam, it floats!"