Storytime.

[sallymiculek]

There was a time, pre-VoYAGers, when the following conversation would not have caused me trouble in the keeping-a-straight-face department, but, well, that time is far, far away now.

Today's theme was "Show and Tell," and I'd invited all the storytime kids to bring something special to introduce to the group. One charge, little McK., brought her Thomas Train whose name, it turns out, is Edward. She also brought...a plushy toy beaver.

Me: What's that, McK?
McK: It's my beaver.
Me: Oh! Your...beaver!
McK: Yes.
A. (another kid) approaches.
Me: Oh! A. would like to touch your beaver!
McK: Okay.
Me (as A. pats the beaver): Thanks for letting A. touch your beaver, McK!
Then Mu., a third kid, approaches. She wants to KISS the beaver.
Me: Is it okay if Mu. kisses your beaver, McK?
McK: Okay.
Mu. kisses beaver.
Me: Thanks for letting Mu. kiss your beaver, McK!
Now EVERYBODY wants to pat the beaver and kiss it.
They do.
Me: Thanks, McK, for letting everyone touch and kiss your beaver. Thanks for showing us your beaver!

Fortunately, McK's mom is the only parent who speaks English as a first language, and she didn't seem to see anything blush-worthy in the whole conversation.

Then we moved on to saying hello to Pete, the dog who goes "Tweet! Tweet!"