Chef Char-o-lie

It's fun to sometimes think that kids will foreshadow their future career paths by the toys they like or characters they love.

It sometimes works out: I think I've heard a story or two about Paul Flanagan and his toy airplanes.

If Charlie is anything like cousin Paul, there's a good chance he's the next Emeril or perhaps that guy from Hell's Kitchen. That boy just loves his kitchen gadgets.

He started screaming the other night as Scott headed out to the deck. We couldn't figure out what on earth was biting him when suddenly we realized that Scott had "Charlie's" spatula.

Yesterday, when I was putting away toys, I found pair of tongs next to the Little People. Yesterday morning, he strolled by me with a garlic press.

Of course, he does have his favorites. For Father's Day, the kids and I decided to get Scott some really manly grilling tools. These things are beefy. When Charlie brings them around the house, he has to use two hands and hold them above his eye level to keep them from dragging on the floor.

We'll see if this stage lasts very long. For the time being, I'm grateful that Charlie's fascination with toilets has ebbed ... that was just plain gross.