On those days when we don’t ride our bikes into school, I drive the kids in. We all like riding better, of course, but the car is not a bad second choice, and I try to make it a little more fun by making our arrival something of an event.

Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife…

The other cars, you see, are mostly minivans or SUVs, with the occasional station wagon. We arrive in my red Mini Cooper, with the windows and skylight open, and the music blasting. Hakuna Matata is the most common choice, but we do mix it up a little.  When the kids get out, we do secret handshakes. As they walk away, they turn to get some Air Fives.

I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature’s recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life

As you might imagine, the whole scene attracts a bit of attention. Kids wave. Parents smile. Teachers shake their heads. It’s just about the perfect way to start your day.

Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn’t be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzin’ in the tree
To make some honey just for me.

The people working the car line seem to be the most appreciative. They give high fives to the boys and comment on our choice of music. There’s one lady in particular that really gets a kick out of it. She often starts dancing as we pull up, and chats with us as the boys get out of the car.

When you look under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few

This morning, we had “Bare Necesseties” cranked up, and our friendly car line lady was wearing a pair of antlers. As the boys got their air fives, she smiled at my oldest.

“This is just too much fun,” she said, pretending to get into the car, “I’m going with your daddy.”

I laughed.

The big guy’s mouth dropped open. His cheeks blushed, and his eyes grew bigger than I’d ever seen.

Car line lady stopped and closed the car door.  “I’m just kidding.”

The bare necessities of life will come to you
They’ll come to you!

His mouth clicked shut and he shook his head in his “I can’t believe my daddy just tricked me again” expression.

Heh, heh, heh. Now that’s the way to start the week!

Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That’s why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life

Have a great Monday!