no, how about...

Elsie would like me to play with her every minute of every day. She is my sidekick and gladly helps me with my jobs so that we can play house after. I have tried to explain that we are actually living house together every minute of every day, but clearly that is not the same as playing house.

So today, like most days, I decided I would play with her for 30 minutes, uninterrupted, exactly as she wishes. No diversions, no phone, no trying to sneak out of the game. I would be in it fully. Here are the highlights:

E: How about this is a ship and Hattie is the mom and we are the little sisters. How about I just caught this salmon and we are making it for dinner. 

B: Sounds great. I'll put it on this fire I just made.

E: No, how about I already cooked it, so you just have to cut it up.

B: Okay. I'll chop it up and give it to Mama to put on our plates.

E: No, how about I put it on the plates because I caught it. How about I do all the cooking and cleaning because I love it. Actually, how about I am the Mama and Hattie is the baby.

B: Great thinking. I love that plan. How about I have to go change the baby up in her room and put her in an outfit for the day?

E: How about the stairs are a mountain, and so you only need a water suit to swim to the stairs and then you climb to the land that is upstairs. (once upstairs) Hey Ivar! Do you want to play house with us? 

I: Sure. Let's pretend I am the bear that is sleeping through winter. And this closet is my cave and I build legos in here all winter long. (clever kid. I take note of his clever ways...)

E: Great! 

B: I have the baby changed, Mama. Let's go back to the boat.

E: No, how about you don't say that. I say that. Because I'm the Mama. Let's go back to the boat kids!

B: Thanks Mama. I love having you as the leader.

E: How about this is your bed I just made for you and you love it. No, how about your head goes at this end. So turn around. And let's pretend it's winter so tomorrow the water will be ice and we will ice skate! How about the baby is always wearing her water suit so if she walks off the boat she doesn't drown or anything. How about she is a baby who can even swim! 

B: That is a safe idea. 

E: How about when you were sleeping I went to get more food, and when you woke up you were sad because you didn't know where I was.

B: Mama? Where are you? I can't find you and I feel sad. 

E: No, how about you don't cry that hard. You just say the words. And how about when I come back you are so happy to see me.

B: Mama, I am so happy to see you! I felt sad when you were gone and now I'm so glad you're back.

E: You don't need to feel sad when I am gone. I am here now.

I could go on and on and on and on and on and on. Because this went on and on and on and on for 30 minutes. You might be interested to know that the bear came out of hibernation and proceeded to terrorize the people on the boat and that this new story line was not received well by the captain of the ship. 

Elsie is a riot. I love her so much. And I knew I had to write this one down because these are the days to remember. And what feels like monotony today will surely feel like magic down the road.