Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Jake and the Firefly Peanut

While Erin went to put Jack down tonight, I went to put the big kids to bed. In typical fashion, as I led Owen and Mason to their beds, they started brainstorming ways to stall. "Can you read us a book?" asked Mason.  "No," I replied.  "It's way past your bed time already. It's a school night. You need your rest." "But Jack aaalways gets to read a book," protested Mason. Finally I gave in - but just a little bit.  "OK. Fine. Get in bed, and I will tell you two a quick story."
I occasionally do this, just to get a few laughs or whatever.  I make up a title and then build some goofy story around it. This one was called Jake and the Firefly Peanut:
One day, Jake and his dad went to a baseball game. They were having a great time, watching their home team play and spending time together. Eventually, though, Jake got hungry and asked his dad for a snack. "Sure, son," said Jake's dad. He called out to the guy walking up and down the aisle. "Two bags of peanuts, please!" The guy took Jake's dad's money and handed him the peanuts. As he did, the peanut guy gave the dad a bit of an odd smile.  Jake's dad shook it off and took the bags of peanuts. 
Jake and his dad opened their bags and dug in. When Jake cracked open the first nut, however, a firefly flew out. He hovered in the air, face-to-face with a shocked Jake.  He buzzed for a bit, and then started to speak: 
"You have freed me from the peanut!" said the firefly. "In return, I shall grant you three wishes." 
"Great!" said Jake. With his first wish, Jake wished for Skylanders Swap Force (this is #1 on Owen and Mason's Christmas list). With his second wish, Jake wished for Lego Indiana Jones for Xbox. And then, with his third and final wish, Jake wished for Owen and Mason to go to sleep.
With that, I told the kids a quick goodnight and headed for the door. "Wait!" called Owen. "I need to tell you my story." I sighed deeply. "Make it quick." Owen proceeded to tell me his version of the story:
One day, Jake and his dad went to a baseball game. They bought some peanuts. When Jake opened his peanut, a firefly flew out. He said "I will grant you two wishes." 
"Great!" said Jake. With his first wish, Jake wished for me to have Skylanders Swap Force. With his second wish, he wished for you to read us a book.
I got served.