PAIN IN THE ASH

Kristen went out a few nights ago, and to distract the boys from her departure, I ushered them into the backyard to play. I got a phone call and had to discuss some work for a few minutes shortly after she left.

No more than 10 minutes had elapsed on my phone call, when I headed out back to see what the monsters were up to. Apparently they'd gotten bored with the eleventy-jillion toys in the backyard, and went looking for something new. This is never a good thing.

When I stepped out onto the deck to look for them, Tobin was just removing the last of his clothing. Honestly, this is nothing out of the ordinary for him. But when I noticed how WHITE he looked (despite the blond hair and fair skin, he's tanning up well), I did a double take.

Tobin had discovered the Smoker that stood at the side of the house. Having not cleaned it out after its last use, the silky fine ash was a delightful find for the smaller monster. Blane stood back a bit apprehensively (smart boy!) though he did have some ash on him too.

Tobin's hair was filled with ask, his shoulders covered, his face looked like one of the Aboriginees from Crocodile Dundee. Before busting them, I ran to grab the camera to make sure I documented the event. How could I not laugh? When I retured, Tobin was sticking his belly out, and 'drizzling' ash on his, um, parts.

Let's stop here. Why? WHY...? I really can't understand what has to go through a mind that would result in the decidedly good idea of sprinkling ash on one's privates. I was a boy once, and this STILL boggles my mind!!

So laughing, I snapped a few pictures (as tastefully as I could manage) and carried the culprit straight to the bath tub. Wow. This'll be one I remember for a while. It's just amazing to me the stuff these boys come up with. When I related this to Kristen later that evening, she laughed and said, "Yeah, that's my day every day..."