One of our daughters was waxing affectionate: "Mom, you and dad are the best parents ever!" I smiled and returned to her, "Would you please keep that in mind the next time you get mad at us?" She smiled, and I happily reminded her of our exchange that night when she refused to come to dinner :).

Another daughter wrote a sweet note that she slid under our door at bedtime (after we scolded her and told her to get to bed!). "Thxs for all you do. You are the best family anyone could want. I love you....P.S. Dad, will you help me w/math tomorrow morning?" Nothing like a little buttering up....

Rebecca was sampling a new "Lara Bar" that I had picked up at Costco to try. She was excited to taste it. She took a bite enthusiastically. "Lara bars are good!" she chirped, smiling. Then she continued to chew, as she paused and her eyes looked to the corner. "They're not so good, though," she assessed. One moment and wrinkled nose later, she stopped chewing, pulled out the wrapper, and put the rest of the bar back in it. "Actually, I don't like them," she politely concluded. I was cracking up!

"Mom, do you some people have potbellied pigs for pets?" Peter asked me today at lunch. Hmm. How to answer such a random question of which I know nothing? "I bet that at least they do take them on walks!" he continued. Wow. I bet you're right!??

The children in our family have a fetish for Top Ramen. Eliza wrote me a note, wanting her siblings not to see. "Top a ramen [sic] please?" I told her there was some leftover in the fridge. She protested, I don't want a little bit! I want a lot-a-bit!"

Nate has started working on his Eagle project. Eliza asked, "Did Dad ever get his Eagle...or his Beaver?"

Peter and Lane went to watch a rugby game today with Nate. Before the game they stopped to get some fish tacos and ate them in the back (the bed) of Lane's truck. Peter, enjoying himself, plied Lane for some family history: "Dad, did you have a truck when you were little and sit in the back of it and eat tacos with your dad?" "No," Lane responded. Peter, all seriousness, furthered, "Did you have a horse and cart?"

Several of Nate's friends came over on Friday night (like 5 of them). One of them hadn't met our family before. After seeing some of the children, he remarked, "You all look alike, everyone of you!" (I think I've heard that "you didn't break the mold" comment before...)