Front Porch Dinner picnic

It was Bennett's idea. He woke late from a nap and all his 3-year-old-boy energy couldn't be contained inside any longer...even if it was about to get dark outside. When dinner was ready he asked if we could have a picnic outside. Mommy and daddy remained a united front saying "no". Amos ( who eats more than any one of us) was already in highchair eating happily.Bennett, who is learning the art of incessant asking, continued to ask for the night picnic. Mama finally ran out of energy to say "no". Bennett won. We packed his dinner up and stepped out into the night. I saw the sliver of the silver moon and took a deep breath as childhood memories flooded back. I remember how i loved staying outside past bedtime... i loved when dad and i would sit at the end of our driveway and look up at the stars and talk forever it seemed. It was a sweet moment to realize that Bennett would be having his own adventures, and for now i get to be beside him. Bennett said with great enthusiasm; " HEY MOM! THE MOON IS FOLLOWING US WHEREVER WE GO! DO YOU THINK IT LIKES US SO MUCH??" i replied "YES!" and he literally yelled back at the sky..."WE LOVE YOU MOON!" i could tell this picnic was going to be full of conversation that must be captured with pen and paper so i ran inside briefly. AS i do..i hear Bennett say "I HOPE IM GONNA BE OK." i realize he is kinda scared and I quickly step back outside and to the front porch swing and sit down. Bennett says: " Hey MOM ..YOU"RE NOT CLOSE ENOUGH!" My mama heart ached as he spoke with both joy and mourning. Joy that he wanted me so close....mourning that it wont be long when he wont want me close at all... BOO HOOO HOOOO. ok ... so onward we go with our merry night picnic. He eats noodles, carrots and chicken while i drink sweet tea and await an indian meal i made esp. for me and Kevin when the kids are asleep. Bennett who is not allowed to have sweet tea often looks up at me with asking eyes says..."mom, you make such good tea" i give him a sip of mine. Then Bennett says: "MOM, LETS TALK ABOUT SCHOOL."...i reply "ok, did you know on Thursday you are going to make green eggs and ham in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday?" and he replies." NO LETS TALK ABOUT MY LAST GIRL".....i reply "Last girl?" Do you mean the girl you liked last?" He replied "YES" and we ran down the names of the girls in his class and finally when i say "Amelia"..he says.."YES,AMELIA!" and then he waits a minute in silence and says..."BUT HER VOICE IS KINDA LOUD."
I rest assured tonight that Amelia hasnt won over my sons' heart yet..you know, since her voice is so loud and everything. ...
But Bennett is winning my heart over...and over and over again..