A little of Charlie

For any of you who know our Charlie she is ALL girl. The way she walks, talks, and acts is so girly. HOWEVER, there are a few exceptions. For example, last week she and Brit were playing in our backyard and she ran in asking for a bag to catch a bug with. She usually catches potato or lady bugs so I didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later Charlie reenters with a huge, ugly, brown praying mantis. Phil was good to make him a cage outside and Charlie spent much time talking to the thing, showing him her loot from Halloween, tucking him in (which also was the end of Sarah Cara-she named it) and so on. She would daily catch bugs to feed it and really was very sweet about her "pet". She can't wait until spring when "Jesus makes more praying mantis" so she can get another pet. (I know its slightly pathetic that my daughter has resulted to insects for pets, but what can you do?)

A few days ago the girls were watching Bambi. This inspired many questions about hunting from Charlie. I decided that I would give her the facts, gently, but factually. Why people hunt, what they do with the animals, etc. As I was bracing for tears and a very unsettled girl at the thought of dead animals, Charlie says, "I want to go hunting. I want to shoot two animals for Dad." This sentiment has carried throughout the days and at this point I don't know that Phil can get away with going hunting to some extent without his daughter. He just chuckles at the thought but I'm pretty sure deep down inside he's as giddy as a school girl.