The Ice Cream Truck!

Last week, I heard the distant, warbling sound of "It's a Small World" a few blocks away. The ice cream truck! Like all the 9- year-olds on our street, I ran inside to get money and help flag it down. I was so excited to introduce Madeline to one of those wonderful things that will forever represent the simplicity of childhood -- hot days, sticky fingers, bike riding and ice cream dripping down your wrist.

Our ice cream man's name is Chuck. You know you're not 9 anymore when instead of asking you what flavor you want, the driver gives you his business card. Anyway, Madeline chose a strawberry shortcake bar. Charlie took one look at his cool big sister and insisted on having something too (but he won't know for a while that his popsicle comes out of our kitchen freezer).

And now, I'm not the only one who recognizes the wonderful warped sound of happiness on wheels.