Tomatoes & Kansas

On the way to school today Michael said, “Mom do you know there are a lot of tornadoes in Texas?”  Thinking I had heard “tomatoes” I said, “Really, who told you that?” 

He replied, “Mrs. Wurtz Mom, is it not true?”

Still thinking he had said tomatoes I responded, “Honey I’m not sure if there are more tomatoes in Texas than there are in other areas.”  Looking in the rear view mirror, I saw Michael look at Gabriel, Gabriel look at Michael, both of them make a silly face, as in “What in the world is mom talking about tomatoes for?” and then they started giggling to each other.  I asked “Michael didn’t you say tomatoes?”  Still laughing he responded, “No mom I said tornadoes. “ 

Now joining in on the giggles, I said, “Oh yes Michael there are a lot of tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma and in Kansas.”  Immediately Gabriel piped in, “Oh that’s where Dorothy lives” (as in Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ” 

Immediately the conversation shifted as Gabriel said, “Mom can we go to Kansas?” 

“Maybe," I said, "sometime if we drive back to Iowa from here, we will drive through Kansas.”

  “Oh I can’t wait to visit Kansas, I bet it is SOOOOOO beautiful." (Michael paused) Mom, Kansas is really beautiful isn’t it?” 

Me:  “I suppose it is, but probably more in the summer when there is no snow.”

“Mom, can we stay in Kansas?” Michael asked. 

 Me: “What do you want to do in Kansas boys?” 

Again Michael looked at Gabriel and Gabriel back at Michael.  With a shrug of their shoulders, a tilt of their head, and an expression that clearly showed a sign of disbelief in me asking such a silly question, “In unison they responded, "MOM WE WANT TO VISIT DOROTHY!!!” 

I suppose someday I’ll have to let them know Kansas, although beautifully flat and pretty in its own way, isn’t exactly what they’ve seen in the wonderful land of OZ.  Oh that other little important fact... Dorothy doesn't really live there. 

Until next time,

Angie