My oldest two sons went to their first boy-girl dance this summer at Operation Purple camp. I’m still getting over the shock that they are getting to the age of being interested in girls. I asked them how it went, and they described the typical junior high dance floor: boys on one side, girls on the other.

J. said, “I didn’t have the nerve to ask anyone, but he did!” and pointed to his brother.

A. just shrugged. I probed for more info and asked if she put her arms on his shoulders or how they danced, and he held his arms out in front of him to demonstrate: “We just held hands and kinda swayed like this.” I pictured the nice expanse of personal space bubble between them and felt relieved.

Then one of them turned to the other and said, “You know, next time, we should, like, pack a Polo shirt or something so we will look nice.” OMG – my boys care about their appearance?! When did this happen?

A week or so later, I learned from my mom that they also asked her advice about how to ask a girl to dance. They are determined to be prepared next time. 😉

My dad was in town visiting this week, and while I was telling him about the boys’ summer adventures, I mentioned the camp dance. A. walked in the room, and I bragged on him for being brave enough to ask a girl to dance. My dad teased him, “Well, did you kiss her?”

A. shot him a rolling-eyes look and said emphatically, “Paw Paw! I think that’s a bit out of line for a kid my age!”

I agreed and told him that he could continue thinking that way!!