A prince too soon

My eleven year old brother, Bullfrog (*names have been changed to protect the innocent...and the guilty), and I are spending the next couple of days together. And let me tell you, this kid is hilarious. He is witty, insightful, creative and altogether a real treat to be around. Below are some samples of his work:

"When I grow up, I want to have a goat. Because really, they eat anything and that just seems easiest."

"The Black Mamba snake can kill a man in 12 minutes flat. Well at least thats what I like to believe."

"I can't believe I'm losing HORSE, and to a giiiiirl. This is humiliating." (I beat him twice, though I fear this will not soon be the case, he is taller everyday)

"I mean, you probably have more experience on this one than me, but here's what I think..."

"My perfect dinner? Well that would have to be black beans with shredded cheese on 'em, whole potatoes, and crab dip." (*whole potatoes=baked potatoes)

"Ok, so when we go to buy the fish don't tell the lady that I'm gonna be feedin' it to my turtle. They get all squirrely when ya say that for some reason." (He has two turtles, Chomper and Bobo...their real names. And they are fierce and fiery snapping turtles. That fish had no chance.)

I've laughed pretty much all day, and he didn't stop talking until I said BEDTIME, in my most firm yet loving big sister tone. I hugged him goodnight and realized, this kid is on the brink. He's so much a little boy still and yet, those long legs and teenager tendencies are sneaking up, growing everyday. Soon it might not be cool for me to hug him in public. He might not want to watch Spongebob with me, or eat ice cream in the middle of the afternoon WHERE OTHER PEOPLE CAN SEE US. I may very soon be inflicted with uncoolitis. And that makes me just a little sad. But the pride that I feel when I see him navigate this big world with such utter confidence, well that's worth a little pain on my part. Because it's such a pleasure to watch this little boy grow into a young man.

And to the woman at Quizno's who so kindly inquired, "Do you think your SON would like a free cookie?"

I'll tell you what to do with that cookie lady.