I took Piper shopping this afternoon for her holiday gifts. She made her list beforehand. It went like this:

1. Daddy

2. Sissy

She was pretty proud of herself for handling the money and the list. First she had to choose between a basket, a cart, or one of those in between basket things on wheels that never roll right. You guessed it.

Piper selected her gifts more carefully. She thought hard about what Daddy might like. She knew exactly what Sissy wanted. I’d share her picks here but those two may read this, you see, and Piper’s whole surprise would be ruined. And she’s trying very hard to keep the gifts a surprise. She’s giving hints, but they mostly go like this:

“Mom, guess what I got you for Christmas?”

“What?”

“A pencil. Yep. I got you a pencil.” Snicker. Snicker.

“Sissy, want to know what I bought for you?”

“Sure.”

“Socks.”

“Really, Piper? Socks?”

“Uh huh. Stinky, dirty socks.” Giggle. Giggle.