Before our recent trip to Sacramento, the lovely and talented wife asked the kids to pack a small backpack with whatever they thought they would need for the trip. The girl packed several dolls in assorted sizes. The boy brought two toy cars and an old carnival ticket.

Not clean underwear. Not a warm blanket. Not food. Aside from an utter lack of forethought, this is many things. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the minds of toddlers. It’s a statement of pure trust in us, their parents, to take care of them. It’s a reminder of what is important in life.

It’s things like this that make you want to be a kid again.