Q16: 4&7v

You know what's better for children than an iPad? 

A FREAKING SANDBOX. 

Because a sandbox can be a monster truck rally, and a noodle factory, and a field of crops (or "trops," whatever works for you), a mountain building contest... in other words, an interacting, creating, sharing, learning BONANZA that requires you to be outside.

So, 7 peed in the sandbox today. 

And I'm all, "7, go to your room. Your mom said before she left, NO WATER IN THE SANDBOX." 

7: "But it's not WATER, it's - "

"NO WATER OF ANY KIND. Room. Now."

So, after the seven minute punishment, I ask him, "7, why did you have to go to your room?"

7: "Because I peed in the sandbox."

Me: "Did you think it was funny?"

7: (smirks) "It was funny."

Me: (trying not to smirk) "Maybe. But that doesn't mean you were supposed to do it. What did your mom say before she left?"

7: "No water in the sandbox." 

Me: "And..."

7: "Fine, I won't do it again." (runs away)

Later, at the pool, after we're done swimming and they're headed for the men's locker room (yes, they go in there by themselves, I pick my freaking battles, ok, and 7 has told me that changing in the family changing room with a nanny is "illegal." He used the word ILLEGAL. I don't believe him, but he believes him, and I'm not dealing with it.)

Me: "Hey 7? Take care of your brother, ok?"

7: "I always take care of 4."

4: "And I always take tare of him!!!" 

Good stories have memorable scenes. And today felt like a better story.