love?

So before the snow fell, we found ourselves at a park.  From across the playground, Axel spied an older girl, black jeans, vintage t-shirt, shy smile . . . skateboard.  I watched as he jogged over to her.

Axel - [smile with teeth, excitement in his voice] "I like your skateboard!"
Girl - [shifting her weight, touching the edge of her upturned skateboard slightly, slight smile without teeth] "Thanks."
Axel - [reaches out to touch her skateboard, eyes wide, awkward pause]
Girl - [fidgeting] "Here, you can have this." [twisting a silly band loose from the stash on her arm]
Axel - [immediately slinging the band around his own wrist] "Oh...um...thanks!" [big grin, runs back to me, glancing
           over his shoulder at his new friend]

Axel - [to me] "She gave that to me, to be my friend, she haves a skateboard."

What's better than your child being accepted by other children?  I was under the impression that this "Silly Band" trend was just that...silly.  What can be so exciting about rubber bands that have a shape?  Really though, they're just the lazy kids friendship bracelet, and anything promoting friendship can't be all bad.  

He was more than happy to pose for this picture when we got home.  (sigh)

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