For Halloween, here’s a scary thought

The kids missed their dress-up party this year because we didn’t want to treat their friends to a trick and share their coughs. We’ll have to think of a way to make it up to them.

We also missed your birthday Dad, sorry! But here’s a big shout out from us and the kids Ole’ Ole’ Ole’ Ole’! Now that’s the only birthday song worthy of you Dad! And it was Ella’s idea to leave that song on your voicemail instead of the usual happy birthday song.

I love the way Ella is with my dad. She loves to tease him, and she’s just about the only one in the whole world who I know can get away with it. Hmmm, reminds me so much of, who was it? … ah, yes, me! (when I was little and could get away with it of course)

Last time we were visiting she climbed up on the couch next to “Buddy” and mentioned to him that she was going to ballet classes now. Dad, showing grandfatherly interest asked her all about it and if she liked being a ballerina. Ella then said in a quiet voice with a naughty little teasing look on her face, “Buddy, are you a ballerina?” Dad, all miffed replied in a rather muffled, gruffled way “No way, Buddy’s not a ballerina.” Ella: “Why aren’t you a ballerina Buddy? Boys can be ballerinas to you know. I think Buddy should be a ballerina.” On the discussion between the two of them went while I prentended not to be listening, yet I was holding my laughter so hard at the thought of dad in his ultra-manly, can’t-touch-his-toes to save his life, believes stretching is a sin, and any kind of skin-care products are a slimy waste of time way, going to ballet school with Ella to be a ballerina? heh, heh, heh, hee hee heee……

Only Ella could get away with that thought. And only because she has red hair.