Ty needed a new pair of summer shoes, so I spent some time searching online for bargains. Shoe shopping for five kids isn’t cheap, and after briefly entertaining the idea of learning to make shoes myself, I returned to reality and started clicking through eBay. Within minutes I bought a bright orange pair of Crocs—luckily, orange has long been Ty’s favorite color. I told him the shoes should arrive within a week or so. For the next ten days he asked every few minutes when his Crocs would get here. When Mr. UPS—as our kids call the delivery driver—pulled into the driveway, Ty was waiting at the door. He grabbed the box and announced, “Now I’m gonna look like Mario Batali.” Really?
Judge for yourself. Does Ty look like Mario Batali?
My kids are fascinated by Mario Batali. They even gave him a nickname: Oreo Cannoli. They want Oreo to make dinner, to hang out with them, and they’re convinced he’d be a blast to have around. Mario, if you happen to read this, you’re officially invited—spending a summer with you would make my kids’ year.