I don’t know if I would mind all the naughtiness around here if the children didn’t seem to take such pleasure in it. It seems they can’t do anything bad without a giant grin on their faces. On the other hand, maybe that joy is what makes the naughtiness tolerable. Sure they’re being horrid, but at least they are happy.
One of Edward’s favorite things to do is throw food on the floor, which is not unusual for a baby, but he does it with such glee that it is alternately cute and infuriating. There is nothing quite like the look on his face as he holds his dinner over the floor, waiting to drop it but making sure you are looking at him, giggling all the while. He knows he’s not supposed to do it, and I guess that’s what makes it fun.
Ruby definitely has perfected the mischief face. Usually it doesn’t come until after she is caught, but it is quite clear when it happens. All you have to do is walk up to her and say “Ruby! What on Earth are you Doing!?” She will then slowly turn to face you, an impish grin spreading across her face, and tell you exactly what she is doing, laughing the whole time. Try telling her that what she is doing is clearly naughty and she will only laugh harder. Again, depending on your mood and the level of naughtiness, this can be either quite endearing, or drive you into a murderous rage.
In fact, I would love to write more on this subject, but Edward is currently smashing my keyboard with a blue Care Bear, and when I try to admonish him he just chuckles and smashes harder, so I have to go. We will discuss this further at a later date when I am not under attack by Grumpy Bear. All I can tell you now is that, apparently, naughtiness is its own reward. But I think we all knew that.