My 15- and 9-year-old sons attended our homeschool group’s annual Mother/Son Outing this Friday and Saturday, a magical excursion to a secluded 4H camp in the mountains. Hiking; bonfires; s’mores (give me some more!); bonding with your sons; adult conversation; hot apple cider—what more could we add to our third year of this family favorite event?

The answer: newt races.

This was one of my 9 year old’s favorite activities. He talked me into letting him bring home 2 newts, although the condition was that we release them the following day into the creek behind our house. Now he wants to take them for his presentation (show and tell) at Classical Conversations this week.

I can’t resist. He’s much too charming.