Playing “house” in the 21st century

A few weeks ago, it was wicked cold outside and Gabe needed some time at the playground.   So, I took him to the closest McDonald’s with a play set, and sat there for most of the morning — so long, in fact, that the manager apologized for not cleaning up “someone’s breakfast trash” when he checked in on us at noon.

There were a ton of kids there, but Gabe made best friends with a 4-year-old named Gabrielle.  Both of them got a kick out of the similarity in their names.   At one point they where playing with their McDonald’s dragon toys.

Gabriel: I’ve got something for you.  I’m going to marry you!

Gabrielle: But I’m a boy!

[ Gabriel looks sad. ]

Gabrielle: That’s okay, sometimes boys can marry.   But, you better ask your mom.

[ Gabriel's dragon walks down a staircase under the table, and shortly returns. ]

Gabriel: She said, “Yes”!

Gabrielle: Yay!