"Gimme that!" said my youngest to my son. He danced in a circle, holding the desired toy just out of reach.

"Gimme it!" she shrieked. Catching my eye, he handed the small bear over and flopped down on the couch, smirking.

She tucked the bear into an armpit, put both hands onto her hips and shouted "Stop, Drop and SHUT UP!"

I corrected her, of course, about using such a coarse phrase. But then I totally lost it and laughed myself silly. Because let's face it... Stop, Drop and Please, Refrain from Speaking To Me At This Time, Thank You doesn't have the same snap.

This came about because the preschool has been preparing for their annual trip to the fire station. They've been drilling the kids on when to call 911, what to do if they catch on fire, what a smoke detector looks and sounds like, on and on.

Once we arrived at the fire station, the firefighter on tour-duty showed us the office, the living quarters (including the dishwasher that does a load in three minutes. Duuuuuuuuude.) and then settled down to quiz the kids.

What do you do if you hear this beeping? Stop, Drop and Roll!

No, kids, you should get out of the house and meet in your safety spot with your family.

What do you do if you have an emergency? Stop, Drop and Roll!

No, kids, you should call? Nine- one- one

Very good! Now, what about if your clothes are on fire?

The kids looked decidedly relieved. Stop, drop and roll!

Yee haw.

After the rest of the tour, including watch a fireman suit up and freak a couple of babies out, the kids took turns getting photos in front of the truck and giggling.

The moms stood in a huddle watching the fireman get unsuited up and giggling.

At one point, they had us all crammed in the hallway to the sleeping rooms. A few of us were stopped dead in front of the door to the men's room.

"Hanging around outside the men's room, waiting for the firemen to come out. Again." cracked one of the moms. "Just like college."

"Hell, in college, we'd just go in and get 'em." said the mom to her right.

Ah, yes. Almost forgot about those days.

After the fire station, we headed back to the park where the kids had a snack. The kids played at the park while the moms chatted about the weather, Brazilian bikini waxes, growing up in a small town, and why bright colors are awesome. Also, which nail salons are least likely to give you the creeping crud, and which ones have the glittery gel tips.

Back at home, and back at work, I had to smile. Working from home like I do, even though I have a lot of interaction with my great co-workers, I miss just shooting the breeze with other people. I need to make more of an effort.