Holy cats, I just had an actual, rational discussion with the Zweeble.

Earlier today I made the Zweeble some lemonade. He likes to eat the lemonade mix, so when I spilled some, I really shouldn't have been surprised to find him licking it off the counter. I told him not to do that and sent him on his way, and never got around to wiping up the spilled mix (hey, we have a mountain of vacation laundry to fold, sue me).

So just now the kid goes into the kitchen and climbs onto the step stool.

Z: (gesturing to the spill) So I shouldn't lick the lemonade off the counter.

L: No.

Z: But I like lemonade mix.

L: Yes, but you shouldn't lick the counter.

Z: Why?

L: Because other, gross things get spilled on the counter, and you don't want to lick them when you lick the lemonade mix.

Z: Oh. (looks flummoxed and serious)

L: Now, if you want to eat some lemonade mix, I'll put some in a cup for you.

Z: (gives me a look like: "You're a genius!")

Z: (eating the mix) I just love eating lemonade.