Book Lovers

This morning I went down to wake up Max and Annika because their mother was at an exercise class and their father on business (their house closes next Tuesday). I've done this once before and previously, their light was off and they were as reluctant to wake up as a bear in the middle of winter hibernation. Imagine my surprise when the light was on, Max was dressing and Annika was making her bed.

"What's happening, you're both up!" I exclaimed.
"I couldn't sleep any longer," Max answered, "I'm so excited for the book fair."
My heart melts--and I remember being moved to tears when I saw the Scholastic book truck parked in front of the school. All the possibility, creativity and adventure in that one truck!

I was so thrilled with their actions that I did the Hookilau dance for them. What a moment.

I headed up stairs for breakfast and Max followed minutes later fully dressed, backpack on, and requisite gun slung over his back.

He came up to continue our book discussion. I learned of a series on the Titanic and his other book loves.

"You love books because your mom loves books and I love books and even my mom loves books. She always has a book she's reading."

"Grandma Zobrist loves books too?"

"OH yes."

I said good bye and pulled out of the garage. I was out in the street when little boy Max startled me by running out into the street with a smile on his face.

I rolled down the window, "What is it?"
He stood silent.
I stuck my cheek out, "Here, give me a kiss."
He exhuberantly complied.
"That's why I came out."
Heart melts a second time.

That morning I told the story to my class ending with the advice, "If you want to be kissed, talk about books."