Childhood Traditions
Tonight we’re keeping our son up past his bedtime for something special. We’re going to go out into the backyard and collect fireflies. I even have a Mason jar to collect them. 
(Yes, we do release them later.)
He’s three years old, and as far as I know, he’s never seen a firefly. I wonder what his reaction will be? That’s one of the best aspects of being a parent–seeing old traditions for the first time through the eyes of a child. This year was the first year he really understood about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. We would tease him if a rabbit hopped into our yard and say, “Look! It’s the Easter Bunny!” Our son would squeal, “Oh, yes! You’re right! There he goes!”, his face lighting up with excitement. He’s convinced that Bambi comes out of the woods at twilight to feast upon the grass right outside the military base.
Each day is new for him. It’s always fun to hear him pick up conversational bits from my husband or myself like, “He’s a bad driver. He needs to pay more attention to the road.”
My favorite one, by far, was today’s quote. He trotted over to my husband, looked him in the eye and said, “I need a book contract.”
That’s my boy. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:37 pm | Viewed 757 times
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Mary Says:
Oh, I used to collect fireflies when I was a kid. They made my life so magical when we lived in North Carolina. BTW, thanks for telling me about RT review. I haven’t seen it, but I’m glad it’s good.
Amy K. Says:
What a cutie! Are you keeping a notebook of cute sayings? I have one but I admit I’m pretty bad about remembering to write them down.
As for the fireflies, our boys just discovered them about 2 weeks ago. Wow, the wonder and joy! Watching them took me right back to being a kid. Well, except for the stretch marks and gray hairs.
Margery Scott Says:
That’s so cute, Michelle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen fireflies. I had a deprived childhood
Tori Says:
I loved catching fireflies when I was a kid. What did he think?
Olga Says:
Lol on the book contract comment (by the way, I wish you to get that book contract!) And I second Amy. Keep a book of your son’s cute saying; you’ll treasure them later!
Michelle Says:
Tori–He was pretty amazed. A few times he got scared when they flew toward his face, but we reassured him that they weren’t the same as bees. It was cute.
Jill Says:
Adorable!
kacey Says:
Cool on the firefly fun…my boys played with them too at the bbq party this week.
LOL on the “I need a book contract” comment. Don’t we all, son?
Suzanne Says:
Did you catch a lot of fireflies?