Me: “Son, there are few things in this life that make a Viking Dad happier than helping his son learn how to make chili from scratch. I’m proud of you.”
(much hugging)
Danger Monkey, age 10: “I just followed your guidance.”
Me: “I helped steer you, yes, but you did it all. You even diced the onion yourself.”
DM: “My chili smells really good.”
Me: “It will get better the longer you let it simmer. But, as one chili guy to another chili guy, I’ll give you the honor of the first taste test.”
DM: (dips spoon, tastes his chili)
DM: “By the Gods of Olympus! That is delicious!”
Me: …
DM: “That means I really liked it.”
Me: “Yeah, I know.”
DM: “Are you crying?”
Me: “Maybe a little.”
Very Vocal Viking 