What's real?

In a number of instances I have explained to the kids that snow monsters aren't real, so they don't have to worry about that. But they need a refresher.

Milo: Are snow monsters real?

Me: No. Snow monsters aren't real.

Nora: Milo, snow monsters are just in books and movies. They're not real.

Milo: Are sharks real?

Me: Yes. Sharks are real.

Milo: Are there sharks up north then at Grandma and Grandpa's house?

Me: Uh, no, because sharks live in salt water, in the oceans, and the lake at Grandma and Grandpa's house is fresh water, so there are no sharks in the lake.

Nora: Monsters aren't real, right?

Me: Right. Monsters aren't real.

Milo: Are sea monsters real?

Me: Uh, no. Sea monsters are just pretend.

Milo: Are crabs real?

Me: Yes, crabs are real.

Milo: What?!? Crabs are real???

He was genuinely surprised by that one.