MOM JUST CAN'T TELL A JOKE

Ellery: How are an elephant and a tree the same?

Mom: They both have trunks?

Ellery: (disappointed) I was supposed to say that and it was supposed to be funny.

IN TRAINING

Mom came into the living room to see Ellery perched on a stool, a towel spread out in front of her and her feet in a little Tupperware container full of water.

"What are you doing?" Mom asked, bewildered.

"I'm practicing getting my feet cold for when I play in the snow."

THANKSGIVING

Mom: I'm thankful I have you for a daughter.

Ellery: Me too. And I'm thankful for good food. And I'm thankful for Henry (the parrot). Are you still thankful for Henry even though he just peed?