We had a lovely Christmas. There are definite advantages to the youngest member of the family getting older...we didn't have to get up at o'dark thirty to see what Santa brought. And she's excited about presents that contain clothes, although there were several toys in the form of new games for the Wii under the tree as well.
There was, however, one "toy" that generated a lot of excitement...much to my surprise. I should start with the back story.
Apparently a week or two ago, Brad got to telling Kayla about Pet Rocks, a fad from the 70s. Kayla was intrigued...so much so that she wanted one for Christmas. Being the big tease that he is, he was happy to oblige. And since he doubted these were still being sold, he found a suitable rock, gave it some personality with hand-drawn features, and wrapped it for Miss Kayla.
Brad went to a two pet stores in search of a small box with holes in it used to transport mice. He said he got many strange looks as he tried to explain he needed just the box to hold a Pet Rock...apparently the store employees were too young to have heard of such a thing.
This would be Kayla as she unwrapped the box enough to see that the outside of the box contained a picture of a mouse. Knowing her dady, she was definitely afraid that her box might really contain a mouse!
She was safe, however, and delighted to find a rock nestled in the straw. Who knew a rock would excite a 14-year-old but excited she was. Christened "Pickles" he made an immediate trip outside since he'd been confined to the box all night long.
With Pickles joining us for Christmas dinner, it didn't take long for Pet Rock jokes to start. Grandpa warned that she should pay close attention to Pickles and not take him for granite. Brad told her it would be easy to teach him to stay and play dead but come was going to be difficult. Melissa said she thought Pickles wouldn't be a problem at night because he'd sleep like a rock. Yes, the jokes were groaners but we had fun laughing at them.
It wasn't long before Kayla decided Pickles needed a friend, so Grandpa found a smaller rock among some we had collected on one of our trips and Brad drew another face, this time a puppy per Kayla's request. And Pickles and his new pet, Rocky, went out to enjoy a little time by the pool.
Judging by how much fun Kayla (and the rest of us) had with the whole Pet Rock idea, maybe it's time for this fad to make a come-back. You know what they say...everything old is new again.
You sure never know what will entertain a teenager! My soon to be 17-year-old wants a Wall-E birthday next month. And the only thing she really wanted for Christmas was more penquins (she sure got them too!)
Sounds like you holiday has been kicked off on the right foot. I enjoy reading your blog and miss you in CK. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Jeanne Ann | December 26, 2008 at 08:05 PM
What fun! Love your family's sense of humor:) Kayla is a beautiful girl - so glad she was able to share Christmas with you.
Posted by: Linda J | December 27, 2008 at 06:43 AM
Sounds like a fun day! I think I had a pet rock as a kid. I think we may have to go hunting this week during vacation for some new pets ;)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Carla | December 27, 2008 at 07:40 AM