Scenes from the backseat...

As played out on the ride home last night:

Scene: Chrysler caravan, heading home after a long night spent at the urgent care clinic.

Characters: Mom, driving. Aili, a precocious 3 y/o. Connor, a handsome 8 y/o... whose manners are apparently disappearing with age.

Narrator: It's 7pm. After a busy day at work and then 2 hours in a local clinic, Mom decides to forgo the healthy grilled chicken and vegetables for dinner and stops at a fast food restaurant. Elated, the children dig into their meals as Mom steers the brood home.

Connor: Smack. Smack. Slurp. Chomp. Smack.

Mom: Connor, please chew with your mouth closed.

Connor: Sorry, Mom.

Several blissfully quiet minutes pass.

Connor: Smack. Smack. Slurp. Chomp. Smack.

Aili: Connor!! Chew wif your mouf close!! I 'a hear you - 'At's as-gusting!"

Curtain closes, with Mom making a mental note to mind her reprimands's wordings...