After a radio news story on healthcare, Brother had a few questions.

Dad tried to explain the bill and proposals at a five-year-old level.

Brother's reaction?

"They can't do that. That's illegal. It's kinda like robbing."

Our little parrot

Sister is at the funny parrot phase of learning to talk. You can pretty much bet on her repeating the last word you say. It makes for fun games round the dinner table. For example, ask "who do you like more daddy or mommy?" She is likely to say "Mommy". There's no real meaning, but it is entertaining.

Some of her current cute words include using "down" for up and down both, using "please" and "more" as a generic way to phrase any inquiry for anything, calling through all our names every morning from her crib including "Nooe-ma", and almost getting animal sounds right with her current favorites baa and woof.

Birthday notes.

It was some ago that brother had a birthday but what he said that day still makes me smile.

Mom: you're five now do you feel different?
Brother: after a pause ... Yes, yes I do.
Mom: what's different?
Brother: another longer, thoughtful pause... I know what it is that's different. It's my age!!

About cake brother said: My tastebuds have changed. I do not like cake anymore.
BUT if it is chocolate cake - I guess I'll have some.