Ella

Jake came home from school one day and told me a secret: Ella was his girlfriend. I asked what kinds of things they liked to do together, and he said they mostly liked to make "Reuben Books" (Rueben is Ella's dog and there have been many, MANY, books written about his adventures). I asked Jake if Ella knew she was his girlfriend, and he said, "I THINK so..." He and I then talked about the fact that he shouldn't actually have a girlfriend until he is at least 16 years old. I told him that it was ok to be best friends and for her to be really special to him, but not his girlfriend. He asked if, when they are both 16, if he still knows her, could they THEN be boyfriend and girlfriend? I told him yes. 

He was very excited when I told him we could send her mom a note suggesting a play date. Her mom got back to me and we set something up. It was the best day ever when Ella came over and they two of them, no surprise, spent most of their time making Reuben books.

When we connected, Ella's mom sent me a picture of this note that Jake gave Ella at school one day! Clearly, their family is getting as big a kick out of this relationship as we are.