Mikey likes to operate from an agenda, the balance of obligation and fun for any day outside the ordinary scrutinized for suitability.
“Mikey, put your pajamas on and brush your teeth.”
“And then what?” So begins the checklist, the day’s events checked and categorized in the mind of a five year old.
[Pajamas and teeth brushing. Obligation. Check.]
“And then you get in bed and go to sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.”
[Sleep. Obligation. Check.]
“And then what?”
“And then you’ll wake up and have breakfast.”
[Eating. Could be fun. We’re on vacation and the hotel serves donuts and mom doesn’t seem to mind. But they also have oatmeal. Better mark it obligation, just in case. Check.]
“And then what?”
“And then we’ll get dressed and go watch Aunt Annie get married.”
[Need more information…]
“Where is that?”
“Where is she getting married? At a church.”
[Obligation. Check.]
“Mom, there are too many boring things happening.”
“What are you talking about? The wedding is going to be fun! There’s going to be cake! And dancing!”
“Dancing?!”
[Rock star potential imminent. Fun. Check! Check! Check!]
“Mom, I didn’t know there would be dancing! I have two new moves. They are Storm Trooper rock star moves. Do you want to see them?”
“Of course!”
[…]
[…]
[…]
“Mikey, do you have any moves where you aren’t rolling on the floor?”
“Momm. Mom. That’s the Storm Trooper being shot while he is dancing. That’s why it’s so awesome.”
“Let’s stick with dance moves that keep you upright.”
“But, mom!”
“Mikey!”
“Fine.”
Now, please don’t think that by removing the Fallen Storm Trooper from his repertoire I shifted the night into the “obligation” category. Nor did I slice in half his black book of dance moves. He has plenty of moves from which to draw inspiration, a fact he made irrefutable not ten seconds after the band struck the first note.
He kept it dignified with the mother of the groom.
But displayed enough Fred Astaire panache to lure her friend into the mix.
Then he moved on to his great Uncle Jim, who was impressed with his prowess with the ladies (and love ’em and leave ’em attitude).
And song after song, he wowed them with his many moves, none of which involved him rolling on the floor in the throws of death. Like, for example, The Grave Digger.
Or The Monkey.
Or standbys like Jumping Jack Flash
and White Man’s Overbite.
Yes, I was feeling confident in my decision to eighty-six Fallen Storm Trooper when he pulled out what I thought was the Funky Chicken.
Until I realized that, no, he was just clearing space on the dance floor and making sure the circle of people watching him had a good view
of the Fallen Storm Trooper, complete with final death face.
(My apologies to Elton John.)
oh my, that is so cute.
This kid cracks me up! I can’t imagine how you’re ever able to be stern with him. :)
http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/what-are-you-reading/
sooooo worth the wait, this entire narrative (complete with photos no less) is friggin LMOA hilarious! Love that kid … bitch, pleeeaze!
I can’t stop laughing and that you have this all documented is PRICELESS! Oh my, this is one of my all time fave Mikey stories. I love that he danced, what a fun kid.
xo,
Tristan
Okay, SO WORTH subscribing to your blog, JUST FOR THIS POST ALONE! Thanks for the laugh!
I love this kid. Nico better up his game.
HAHAHA! Only you, JJ. Hilarious.
I have tears streaming down my face. Oh the laughter.
*LOVE* this boy!
*LOVE* the final death face!
OMG, I swear I am cracking up over here. Totally made me laugh out loud.
Mike is a gem!
I don’t know exactly what Storm Trooper Rock Star moves are, but I know I must somehow incorporate them into my Friday night. That was hilarious.
OMG, my 3 year daughter and I are sitting here looking at the photos and the whole time I’m cracking up she keeps asking why I’m crying, I can just picture it EXACTLY as you narrate. He is going to be a heartbreaker w the ladies, cuz you know we all love men who can or at least make a giant effort at dancing. Kudos kiddo and much kudos to mom to raising boys that aren’t shy about struttin’ their stuff on the dance floor.
Sent this one to the hubby. We both loved it! And after a prior kids & storm troopers conversation this evening, it was the perfect thematic cap-off. Love that you captured the whole saga.
I am laughing so hard at your cutie! I love how you got his attention (the night before)with his being able to display his Rock Star Moves. Priceless.
He’s going to have the world eating out of his hand! What a lady killer.
He is so cute…
…I wish my kids had his tan!
He is SO SO adorable, what a ham! :)