Giggle fits

I brought out the magnet letters, hoping the kids might have some educational fun without realizing it. Once again, my expectations are set much too high! I try to get them started, only to have Nathan and Melanie trying hard to sound out "bum". Nathan had "bam" and the mistake just got their goats.
"It needs a "U"" says I.
(Nathan makes "baum".)
"What does it say now, Mom?
"Baum."
Nathan and Melanie:
"GIGGLE GIGGLE!"

In an attempt to divert them, I spell another body part, "hand."
That isn't exciting enough.
So I show how I can change the word with one letter.
"Now what does it spell?" I ask.
(I end up sounding it out for them.)
"Handy."

Thinking this is a fun game, they decide to try it.
"Handy." Says Nathan, calmly.
"Randy." Says he, again.
"I can make "handy" into "randy"!"
"Then you'll need an "r"" says I.

"Now what does it say?" asks Nathan.
"Sound it out." I say. (Education! think I! He's learning!)
After a while, I have to help him sound it out properly-as in, read it for him.

"Hnrdy!" giggles Nathan.
"Hnrdy!" giggles Melanie.

(Mommy Roze sighs deeply and gets back to her work.)

And what do you know, they eventually get there!

Notice how enthralled Melanie is!
Nothing like a big brother to help you in your silliness!

"Look Mom, we did it!"
"Now it says Randy!"