Made Up Stories

Made Up Stories is one of several games that Tony created with Maiya. They usually take place when we are in the car. The way it works is that we all take turns making up short stories that end with "Just Kidding." When I'm not driving, I'll write them down. Or, if it's just the two of us, I'll write it down as soon as I get home. At 3 1/2 years old, Maiya's stories often revolve around animals and poop. They're great for developing Maiya's language skills such as pronunciation and vocabulary, but they also build and exercise her creativity and keen sense of humor.

Maiya's Made Up Stories from 8/24/08:

• One time I went to the beach and I met a bad crab. And he talked to me and he talked to me in Spanish. I'm just kidding.
• Last time I swam with my turtle and I saw an ant. Just kidding.
• Last time I saw a mouse on the TV with you. I'm just kidding.
• One time I went to Granny Franny's and I saw a poo poo on the car. Just kidding.
• Last time I saw a dragon at my house and he bumped his head. I said, "Dragon, why are you in my house?"
• One time I went to Granny Franny's house and I saw a dog and he pooped on my head. Just kidding.
• Last time I went to the beach without you and I couldn't find you. Just kidding.
• Last time I went to my house and I saw a bird in my house pooping on my dragon. Just kidding. Actually the big kid sister's and brother there too with the babies.
• One time I went to Grandma Machi's house and I saw a lizard on my food and I yelled, "Grandma, I saw a lizard in my spa me (spam musubi).
• One time I'm driving in my small car all by myself with no _____ and I saw a butterfly on it and I waked up and I said, "Stop butterfly!" and he got away.
  
• One time I went to my house and saw a mama lizard in my belly and I say, "Awww," and I say, "Just kidding."

I got a lot more to share, but I'll save them for another day. We also have great dreams and stories she dicates for her diary.