Remarking on the predicament the kids have gotten into with the velociraptors in Jurassic Park, Brinley says, “This is a heck of a situation!”

Heading into Krispy Kreme, Micah says, “Let’s get into a creamy mess.”

Micah is lying on his bed doodling on an iPad art app called Procreate. Sarah and I are playing phone games in the hallway. I say, “Micah, come over here and play some games with us!”

“Sorry, Dad,” he says. “I’m busy procreating.”

We’re talking about Auntie Di getting 12” of snow and it’s been warm here. Micah says, “Seriously they get 12” of snow and we don’t? It’s my dignity!”

Micah is asking Sarah about ADHD among his friend group. Curious, he asks, “Mom, do I have ADHD?”

“No, Micah, you don’t.”

Micah takes a beat.

“How about do I have fifty HD?”

“Dad, look!” says Micah, pointing at a Slinkie on a shelf at the store. “There’s a giant mini Slinkie!”

Micah is trying to work out his teacher’s full name.

“Wait, is Ms. Brateman’s last name Brateman?!”

”Hey, Dad, do you want to play some good shuck-oo?” Micah asks enthusiastically.

”Um… what?”

”You know, the game that Papa Jim plays in his little book.”

I take a beat.

”Oh, Sudoku! Sure I’ll play with you, bud.”

Micah and I are both doing a challenge in the game Galaga on our iPads. We’re not doing well. I tell him, “Buddy, I don’t know if we’re going to make it.”

”Pull up your sleeves, Dad” he says bracingly, “we’re gonna get into the hard truth.”