It's been a long time since we've been to McDonald's.  Since their fries include dairy in their list of ingredients, we normally don't go there.  But, since Sophie's allergy to dairy seems to be fading, we decided to stop for lunch at McDonald's today as a special reward for good behavior at both the grocery store and Target. 

As we pulled into the drive thru lane, Martin spotted a happy meal sign featuring Ariel from The Little Mermaid.  I asked everyone to pipe down (bribing them with Tic Tacs) and ordered our food.  After ordering the happy meals, the voice on the speaker asked, "Are those for boys or girls?"  I thought for a moment about what the question really meant.  Certainly she wasn't asking out of general curiosity.  It must be McDonald's "way" of asking which toy would you prefer.  So, I answered "Two girls."  In a whisper.

From the backseat I heard, "Who two grills?  Sophie is a grill and I am a boy.  Say it momma."  Hoping that this wasn't some kind of moment that would later be replayed in therapy ("Why wouldn't my mom just stand up and say 'he's a boy and he likes The Little Mermaid WAY better than that weird robot with a sword'"), I kept quiet and pulled ahead to the first window.  The tense moment, probably only experienced by me, passed quickly as the smell of french fries wafted in our open window and two kids in the back started shrieking for "fr-frys".

When we got home, the kids tore into their happy meal boxes.  Sophie started eating the fries and Martin pulled out the toy from the bottom of the box.  He came around the counter and got his scissors, cut open the bag, and placed an Ariel tiara on his head.  He grabbed Sophie's, freed it from the package and placed it on her head.  "Sophie is a princess and I am a queen," he said.

While I'm sure it will take everything Marty has to keep the voice of Rush Limbaugh inside his head from escaping out of his mouth when he sees these photos, here are the new princess and queen of our house:


Despite my best intentions to raise boys and girls who feel just as comfortable playing with dolls and trucks, I seem to have a "girls girl" on my hands.  Look how happy she is, suited up in pink from head to toe, tiara on her head, holding her Bay:




This photo is evidence of Martin's new favorite activity - posing for the camera.  He used to HATE having his picture taken, now he wants dozens... in all kinds of creative poses.  This photo was his idea.


In the oven this morning: Chocolate Oatmeal Chippers
On the table tonight: Cry Me a River Pot Roast (modification of Newcastle Pot Roast).  Either version calls for so many onions that preparing it will make you cry like a soap opera starlet.