Vake's first balloon?

Guest post from daddy.

Alison & Vake walked to a nearby shop to buy a housewarming present for a friend. The 20-something clerk asked Vake if he'd like a balloon (obviously the answer was "yes, please!")

After the clerk handed it to Vake, Alison prompted Vake to remember his manners:

Alison: "What do you say, Vake?"

Vake (in his most reverent voice): "Oh, thank you. I've never had a balloon before!"

The clerk, of course, looked at Alison as if she were some sort of ogre - what mother would deprive her child of balloons?