Eating Veggies, Prince-Style

Almost everyone at Prince Elementary School eats the lunch that's provided by the cafeteria.

 As the construction on campus proceeds, the offerings become less creative, although the uses to which they are put continue to amaze.  Yes, that is apple sauce being eaten -???- through a straw.  

                                      There are quasi-healthy alternatives, of course.

Mostly, the boxed lunches involve packaging.

 I heard my mother's voice emerging from my lips as I admonished this poor child.  

"Don't use your teeth!!" sounded much harsher than I'd intended, I'm afraid.

I never realized that a small, peeled, baby carrot 

would be frightening 

even when your friend is right by your side. 

 She tried it.... with attitude... but she tried it 

and she kept her eyes open. 

Some were tentative.

Some were not sure what all the fuss was about.

There was generosity,

 and a certain savoir faire alongside a valiant effort to eat just one,

 but mostly there was silliness.

 There was lots

 and lots

 of silliness.

Was it a cigarette (I hope not) or are they sticking out their tongues at me? 

 Who cares?  It was silliness.

 Shyness and silliness and lots of Grandma love,

 even for those who are just about too cool for school.

Of course, there were those who ate the whole thing

 and were proud to share their accomplishment.

Lest you think that I was encouraging play at the expense of nutrition, 

let me assure you that every carrot which went into a mouth was swallowed.

Sometimes, this was followed by a surprised look and a nod of satisfaction.

Another carrot lover was born.

Being the Official Adopted Grandmother of Prince Elementary School has many perks.

Encouraging kids to eat their veggies is just one of them.