He shoots, he scores ... a two-pointer!

Kids do the darndest things.

Kids make me laugh even when it's not appropriate. Many is the time I've had to turn away to hide a smile or laughter. I realize there is a time and place for everything.

But, as I got older, I began to take their antics much less seriously. Our son, Josh, while sometimes challenging, provided us with years of fun memories and spirited laughter.

At age 2, Josh was charming but really mischievous. I had taken him to The Grill for lunch. He wanted his favorite, a hot dog. There weren't many customers that day. I did notice two older women at a booth nearby. They were both good friends and customers of my mother-in-law Betty, who had a beauty shop. We exchanged "a hi, how on are you?" They told Josh how cute he was with smiles and pats on his head. We went on with our meals.

Later in the week, I spoke with Betty. The same two women had been in for shampoos and sets. They told Betty they had seen Josh and me at The Grill. They went on to say that after they left The Grill, one of them began digging in her purse to find her keys. As she rummaged around, her fingers brushed over something moist and a little slimy. She carefully pulled out the object. She and her friend howled with laughter. It was a gnawed on piece of hot dog.

Sometime during our lunch, Josh had taken the piece of hot dog from his mouth and pitched it in her open purse. "A two pointer!"

Kids "dance down the yellow brick road." Let's take time to join them on their journey.

Tawni is a former teacher at Linton-Stockton Elementary School. She can be reached by e-mail at tawniprudhomme@gmail.com .