Through Anarchy We Find Our Natural State

I wish I had pictures. Distracted by conversation, food and booze, Jenn and I left the children to their own devices at yesterday's 1/4th of Jooliee party. Katie immediately seized upon the Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. Owen and 3-year-old comrade Sydney dispensed with superfluous clothing, stalking about in their pull-ups and climbing everything in sight. After a couple hours, Owen was covered in dirt, chocolate smears and random bruises as he roamed the party with a giant stick, a Lost Boy seeking the Lord of the Flies.

When darkness came, the explosions began. Katie jumped into the middle of the fray and launched firecrackers with the zeal of an insurgent. Owen's reaction was more curious to observe. At first he stood fascinated by the loud, bright popping, whirling and shrieking coming from the street. Then he ran about excitedly, shouting "Fire!" Finally, he grabbed a plastic orange play hoe from Sydney's collection and brandished it toward the fireworks as if he were a wizard fending off evil forces from the deep. "Cha! Hrauwg! Graah!" he'd roar.

When the fireworks supplies ran out and the festivities ended, he smiled with delight. "I did it!"