Oswin in the front yard

Oswin has a habit of making his way outside by himself. Today he went into the front yard and picked some flowers and chased the bees. He would sneak up on them with his little hand, looking like he was going to grab them between his forefinger and thumb, and of course, if he did, that would result in an unhappy bee and an unhappy boy.

We had an interaction that went about like this:

Me: "Don't pick up the bees, Oswin. They could sting you."
Oswin: (Turns around to scowl indignantly at me.) "Mama. I want to PET THEM. I'm going to PET THE BEES."

Then I observed him approaching them slowly with his hand and petting them gently with his forefinger. No stings. I think they call that a bee charmer.