Why...

[unixronin]

... do I always have to answer the question "Can I have shaved ice?" THREE times?  Even if I say "Yes, everyone may have shaved ice"?

Comments

[ariyanakylstram.livejournal.com]

my parents used to say it slightly differently...

"Yes, you may ALL have shaved ice" or "You may BOTH have shaved ice" (we were 2, not 3)

Also, they would ask us to repeat what they had just said if the other one asked. Not being able to do so might be proof that we mustn't really have wanted the shaved ice/ice cream/pony ride/etc.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

I've tried multiple variations. It seems come what may, they all have to ask, or it doesn't count.