I’ll admit it: I’ve always been a big fan of Mary Poppins. When the kids were younger, it was one of our regular features. In addition to the music and the jokes, it contains great throwaway lines like “enough is as good as a feast” and “that’s a pie crust promise – easily made, easily broken.”

The pie crust promise is a part of the family’s language.

“I’ll sweep tomorrow, if you do it today.”

Pie-crust promise.

“No, really. I’ll clean my room tonight.”

Pie-crust promise.

A few months back, the kids heard me talking about a new bar that opened. It’s a combination bar/game shop for people (like me) who love to play games.

“Can we play Settlers of Catan there?” my youngest son asked. He was nine years old at the time.

His favorite game is Settlers of Catan, but his older brother doesn’t like it. Two-player Settlers isn’t very exciting, so he doesn’t get to play much.

“Sure,” I said. “I just have to check it out first. Make sure it’s okay for kids.”

Well, I never did. I keep meaning to go there, but I never seem to find the time.

The other day, we were talking about what game to play. Once again, Settlers was discussed and rejected.

“Hey,” he said. “I thought we were going to play at that bar.”

“We are,” I said. “I just have to check it out first.”

He looked me square in the eyes. “Pie-crust promise.”