The kids and I were in Kansas City last week while Robbi stayed home to eat ice cream and sleep for sixteen hours at a stretch. While we were there, we visited with my high school classmate Jessica, whose daughter Calli just happens to be in the Bobbledy club.

Kato and Alden wasted no time in suggesting a sleepover. No matter that we weren’t going to spend the night. Apparently, the only thing you need to have a sleepover is a bed and sufficient will.

During our tour of Calli’s room, we were pleased to see the Bobbledy certificate Calli received for writing and drawing a book for the Gorillas in the Kitchen contest.

And a framed copy of a Girl With Frogs in Her Ears print.

I never could have predicted back in eighth grade, when Jessica and I were earth science lab partners learning about rocks and planets and such, that my future wife would one day make a painting that hung in Jessica’s daughter’s room.

Life is strange and winding and wonderful and I wouldn’t have it any other way.