... adults is far worse than raising little people. You will appear to small persons to have great authority, possibly due to size or just being so tall they have to literally look up. They generally believe you know what you are talking about, confident that you are saying the things you tell them for a reason, possibly safety and well being. Accepting what they are instructed to get accomplished (like tooth-brushing or bed making) or warned about not doing (digging holes in Sunday best or feeding the family pet off your plate at the dinner table.) Cautioned about risky behavior (jumping off the barn with an umbrella for a parachute) or unforeseen dangers (going with the man who offers candy or claims to need help finding his puppy.) Children are impressionable and willing to cooperate, take parents' wisdom at face value up to a certain age, then they become highly trained obstinate know-it-alls.
I've been trying for years to persuade my adult children they should not purchase items, things, stuff. For any and all gift-giving occasions. I do not want any more clutter in my life: it's all stuff. Telling them as opportunities for presenting present draw near that I would much rather spend time with them doing something fun. Or nothing at all. Many good laughs can be had sitting on the couch, viewing amusing videos they save to replay for us to look at and giggle together.
They hear me forever saying: let's go someplace interesting and do something we've never experienced. They are beginning to understand and think about neat things we can do together. One gave me tickets to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas light show. I don't know anything about it, but assume it is a small scale version of the Callaway Resort Fantasy in Lights, with miles and miles of holiday decorations out along the paved drive through the woods. Expecting the Botanical event is more condensed, walking along the pathways at night viewing a gazillion strings of lights, in various shapes, extravagantly illuminating the gardens tucked away in metropolis.
The other go-and-do surprise will be in Chattanooga. Saved for warmer weather, when we can get out on the Tennessee River, ride the Duck Boats for a tour. Both of these sound like fun things to do. Lots to look forward to as we take time to be together, fulfilling my desire to spend time with my favorite people, it looks like they have finally caught on to my plan: Let's Have Fun.
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