Everybody Have Fun Tonight

When Mia was about a year and a half old, we had a transformative family moment. We were in Hawaii, at Ke'e Beach in Kauai. (It is the last beach on the north shore before the NaPali coast - my husband swears it is the most beautiful place on earth.) We were splashing around in the waves, and I suddenly realized that it was the first time since she was born that all four of us were having fun AT THE SAME TIME. Before that if the kids were having fun the parents were miserable. Or if the parents were having fun, the kids were miserable. Sometimes everyone was miserable. But at Ke'e Beach we saw that it was possible for all of us to be having fun at once.

We had another transformative moment this week in Tahoe. Mia graduated to the high speed chairlift, Roundhouse, at Alpine Meadows. Okay, so she has a particular route that she needs to pick her way down. But the important thing is that I'm not stuck on the slow, bunny slope chair that is a unique form of torture. Today we were able to all four ride the chairlift up together, and ski down together. And I didn't want to rip off my helmet and tear my hair out. Yes, skiing with your kids can actually be fun!

Mani Milestone

Today was a major milestone. For the first time, Mia and I went together to get our nails done! I know, at first blush it doesn't sound like much. But this is a cherished activity for me -- and for the past six years I've had to arrange childcare if I want to enjoy it. And this year, I have only a couple of free hours - at best - each week. This morning,I was trying to think of how I could possibly sneak a mani into an already packed week. Then it hit me like a bolt of lightening. Shazaam! Take her!

A few weeks ago, Mia went to a spa birthday party. Which could have been a really disturbing thing, if the parents, friends, and little girl herself weren't so down to earth. As it turned out, it was great fun. And Mia sat quietly as her hair was curled and sprayed with purple glitter, and as her nails were painted blue.

Today, she chose to alternate pink and purple. The manicurist happily indulged what I would consider to be questionable color choices. But most importantly, Mia sat still. She had fun. We both had fun. I was actually able to sit until my own nails were all the way dry. I even got to flip through an issue of People.

I see it as the start of a new era. We'll try pedicures next!

Afterlife

Today I was driving in the car with Mia who was singing along to the Beatles, "Help me if you can I'm feeling down, and I do appreciate your being around..." It occured to me suddenly how great it would be if there was an afterlife and I could meet John Lennon.

It would be worth being good for.

Look Ma! No Training Wheels!

First the tooth, then the training wheels. What accoutrement of childhood will my son lose next??

I am so proud of my little city boy, learning to ride without training wheels!

Milestones

I haven't written in a long time. It has been a very busy fall. We started three schools, and quit two. The good news is that everyone is happy!

But we have had a number of exciting Milestones to report on.

Miles is starting to read - a little bit. He read a few pages of a Dick and Jane book to me last weekend. We've noticed that he is pretty risk adverse and doesn't like to do something unless he knows he can get it right. And also that he doesn't mind asking his little sister for help! But it was quite exciting to see him actually READ.

Miles lost his first tooth! (The fairy brought him $5!!)

And the best of all...
Last weekend, while Mike and I were sleeping, Miles took it upon himself to make us coffee. It was a teensy bit on the weak side, but still quite drinkable. I'm hoping this new development doesn't result in him burning himself, or burning the house down. But it is the start of an exciting trend of him taking care of his parents!!