The Day Kendall Flirted with the Governor

You know, I've been writing this blog for a couple of weeks now. It mostly exists as a scrapbook for us and a way for grandparents and other family to get regular updates on the kids. But I've found myself thinking in the middle of a family discussion, "This is going to be my next blog post." When you have kids like ours, these things just write themselves. Here's the latest:

We went to Bass Pro Shops to exchange the hunting clothes Granddaddy bought Austin for his birthday. We needed a bigger size. So we walked up the the customer service desk at the front of the store. No one was standing there, so we walked on up and told the lady what we needed to do. Just then, I noticed that Governor Sonny Perdue and his wife Mary walked up next to us. They needed to make an exchange. (That's right, Mr. Governor, you can just wait until The Emeners are done with our business before you get your turn!) Anyway, Scott and I noticed who they were, but we didn't say anything except Hello. They were wearing shorts and T-shirts, and looked like they were definitely on personal time. We figured we'd just give them their space. So we're waiting on the lady to help us, and Mr. and Mrs. Perdue couldn't help but listen to the conversation. And knowing our family, it was interesting of course. While the lady was scanning our items, Austin decided that he needed a hunting license-and he needed it right now! Because, "Mommy, what if a man comes up while we're hunting and says, 'Do you have a license to hunt?' and I don't have a license. Then I'd be in trouble." That's my boy-never one to break the rules. I looked down to Austin to explain that we'd get him a license before hunting season, which is months away. Then I looked up. Mrs. Perdue was smiling nicely, listening to Austin, and the Governor-of-the-Great-State-of-Georgia was exchanging silly faces with Kendall! Of course, she was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, carrying a purse, with a bracelet and necklace on. She's always got to accessorize. And she's making funny faces with the Governor of Georgia. And he looks like just any grandfather who happens to be at Bass Pro Shops making an exchange. They went back and forth with the funny faces about 3 times before we were on our way. It was so cute! I've always heard what nice people they are, and it showed tonight.

Then, on the way home, Austin and Kendall had the following discussion.

Austin: "I'm going to hunt for bears. And deer."
Kendall: "Deer?"
Austin: "Yes, deer. They taste good and they're fun to shoot." (Note: this child has never, ever tasted deer meat in his life. Or been deer hunting. He just saw one on Granddaddy's wall.)
Kendall: "Don't shoot them. I like the deer. They're nice."
Austin: "You know what else is good to shoot: butterflies. They're good training for bird-hunting." (What?)
Kendall: "But I like butterflies, too. They're pretty."

This went on for a minute or two, and they just agreed to disagree on the matter. Surely it won't be long before Austin's NRA card and Kendall's PETA card arrive in the mail.

I asked Austin and Kendall tonight what their favorite thing was about Daddy. Kendall said, "He's been nice to me." Austin said, "Daddy always believes in me." A kid couldn't ask for any more than that. We're very lucky to have him. He's the most patient man I know. Happy Father's Day to Scott, and to Pop-Pop and Granddaddy, too!