Pyromania.

So. Amid getting a new microwave (that impressed and amazed my boys with its little turn-table (our old one didn't rotate)...how easily they're amused) and various other errands, this is what my boys did yesterday:

Yup, Noah came running inside from the backyard (where they'd been nicely swinging and playing) to ask where his loupe was. (We use them with our Private Eye stuff every now and again.) Knowing something was up, I...good mother that I am...inquired as to *why* he needed it. At least he was honest..."I'm going to burn dead leaves that I found" says he. Ah. Lovely. 

Still. I'm getting used to being the mom of three boys and recognized that it was probably safe enough, so directed him to where the loupes are kept. (Just for good measure, though, I did send Nathan out to supervise at this point, lol.)

After a bit, I figured I may as well grab the camera and join them. This is what I found:

They all managed to get a good bit of smoke but very rarely any flames, so all was good. At one point, I jokingly informed them all that smoking is bad for them. After groaning, Noah says, "but I didn't inhale!" Awesome. ;)

Micah, little ham that he is, posed himself for this picture between changing out materials to be scortched:

Yup. Fun times in the backyard with my pyromaniacs. :)