Puppy Love

I'm a bit concerned about my two oldest children. At the ripe old ages of 5 and 3, they both feel they are in love with some neighbor kids of ours and have declared their intent to marry said neighbor kids.

Isaac has been a little Rico Suave for a couple years now, so his little romantic advances are nothing new. He is getting quite a bit more bold as time goes on, however. Last year, right in the middle of Sunbeams, he kissed a little girl in his primary class. Then he went and fell in love with a beautiful little blond in the ward, Clarissa, and has told us repeatedly of his commitment to marry her. He has loved this one since he was 4, which is a long time when you're only 5. Then last week he was playing in the playroom downstairs with our next door neighbor (who, at 7, is a much older woman) and was apparently having a fabulous time. He came out and told Jason, "Dad, I just kissed Sydney on the hand because I love her." I wasn't home at the time and didn't say anything to him about it. Well, the next morning over breakfast he blurts out, "Mom, I have to tell you something. I kissed Sydney on the hand last night. I think I'm going to marry her." So I, of course, informed him that there will be no more kissing until after his mission. He looked quite upset by this new rule and pleaded, "But I love her, mom! I love her!" Oh brother!!! So today, I'm tending his first love, Clarissa, and the kids are working on a puzzle together. He reaches over and grabs Clarissa's hand and says,"I'm gonna marry you." She looks at me as if to say, "HELP!" and continues to do the puzzle. As the afternoon has worn on, she seems to have warmed up to the idea. They watched Peter Pan with their arms around each other. The have taken many pretend pictures together with our broken camera. They hold hands when they walk anywhere. It's bizzare.

Alayna is another story. She has made her mind up to marry Isaac's best friend, Chase, from across the street. He is also playing at our house today and Alayna has become his little shadow. During Peter Pan, she says, "I'm sitting by Chase because we're getting married." Yikes! So I have Chase and Alayna sitting together and Isaac and Clarissa sitting together. I feel like I have to go down and chaperone Peter Pan for my hormonal 5 and 3 year olds!!! If Chase goes downstairs, Alayna says, "Wait for me, Chase. I have to come with you because we're getting married!" If Chase gets a drink, same thing. I don't think Chase is as on board with this weird display of affection. He just bonked Alayna on the head so she'd leave him alone for a second! Can't say that I blame him.

At this point, I don't know whether to be concerned or just laugh it off. Clarissa and Isaac will be in the same kindergarten class next year, so I guess time will tell how that relationship developes. Should be an interesting experience, for us as well as their poor teacher!