Sneaky Stela

We were out to dinner a while ago (Applebee's, if you must know. Free kids meals from the library!) and we ordered nachos as an appetizer.

They came with a little cup of jalapenos.

My kids have never tried a jalapeno.

Cam had the grinch's wiry grin slapped on his face. I think I even saw a light bulb blink on above his head.

Ady, being the bravest of my children, voluntarily offered to eat the jalapeno. With a chip, of course. And true to her strong nature, her taste buds agreed with her decision and approved. She did chase the chip down with a whole cup of water and politely declined any further tastes.

Anders, on the other hand, loudly protested any jalapenos coming anywhere near his plate. His eyes were big and serious as he was laughing, "I am never trying one of those spicy things. Uh-uh. No way." Cam played his daddy card. Trying to strong arm Anders into tasting one. Witholding dessert. Relentless teasing. (You're big sister could do it!) He even resorted to pleading. But, have you met Anders? Well then. You know.

Stela responded to the challenge by covering her mouth. Tightly. With both hands.

Pars was busy eating a lime.

Once all had settled down a little and we had moved onto more important topics. (Did anyone wash their hands before dinner?) Stela leaned over to Cam and whispered, "Daddy, when Anders isn't looking, you should sneak one of those green things into his sandwich."

Lightbulb.

Maybe I was wrong about who donned the grinch smile all along.

Cam, sneakily, tried to hide a jalapeno in Anders grilled cheese sandwich. And with baited breath watched as he lifted his unassuming sandwich to his lips, opened his mouth and said, "Hey! Who put this in here?" And he flung that jalapeno 15 feet across the room. (My children have impeccable restaurant manners.)

Which led Stela into a fit of grinchy giggles.
Which led Cam into reporting Stela's sneaky plot.
Which led all of us into a barrel of giggles.
Except for Anders.
For some reason he didn't find it so funny. Who's the Grinch now?