Happy Oreo Day!

Kindergarten is an eye-opening experience for children as they are exposed to situations and people they have hitherto never known were even in existence.  Anyone who has ever been exposed to children has had them come home spouting knowledge they surely didn't learn at home.  This kindergarten rite of passage birthed well-loved tradition in our family.

At the end of May of her Kindergarten year, my daughter (aptly named Cady) came home for a beloved long weekend.  It passed as usual, with yard work and a family barbecue.  Monday evening was coming to a close, and Cady seemed disappointed and slightly confused.  Upon my masterful interrogation, she finally stated she didn't understand the holiday.  I explained to her the celebration of remembering those who died to keep our country free, and her baffled look remained.  More explanation ensued, followed by continued head scratching.  Finally, I asked her what was confusing to her.

"Well, where are the Oreos?"

My turn for the confused goldfish face.  "What are you talking about?"

"The Oreos.  Shouldn't there be at least a few Oreos?"

Her logic has always been astounding, but even I, with all my imagination, could find no way to connect sacrificing soldiers with Oreo cookies.  Expressing my own confusion, she rolled her eyes in exasperation and wailed, "Then why do they call it OREO DAY!"

Finally!!  I turned on my kid-talk translator and understood that all this time rather than hearing "Memorial Day," she had been hearing about "OREO Day," clearly with great anticipation.  Thus began our annual Oreo Day celebration!

Each year since then, we buy piles of Oreos and gorge ourselves with Oreo Cheesecake, Oreo Ice Cream, Oreo pudding pie, deep fried Oreos, and any other Oreo concoction we can come up with.

This weekend as you visit your cemeteries, proudly hang the American Flag, attend your parades, and barbecue with family and friends, know that our family is going to be doing those things with cookie-blackened teeth and an Oreo-induced coma in added celebration of Oreo Day.

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