Day: May 30, 2009

Today I:

Made waffles for breakfast because the kids love them and I haven’t made them in a long time.

Required the kids to do chores like lawn mowing and cleaning up their rooms. And they did so without complaining much.

Paid a bounty on every toy that the kids were willing to get rid of so that they would have more space in their closets. Link got rid of nothing because everything was precious. Patch gave me a whole pile because he is very focused on earning money for a lego set that he wants.

Went shopping with Kiki to buy her some new skirts for church and ended up buying her several pairs of pants as well.

Found an elegant skirt that fits me and reminds me of the swirling skirts that Grace Kelly wore in High Society. This may be what I wear for Hugo Night, if I can find an elegant top to match. Or maybe it won’t, if I find a dress I like better. The skirt cost $5.

Took Kiki along with me to the grocery store where we laughed and teased each other while collecting everything on the list and forgetting to buy milk.

Made banana pudding which reminds me of my childhood.

Cleaned up the family room so that we can take Howard’s office apart to give it new paint and flooring.

Attended a neighborhood potluck dinner and dance. The whole thing was outdoors. It was a family event, which made the dance much nicer. Somehow getting out there to dance feels much less threatening when half the dancers are children who’ve dragged their parents out on to the floor.

Mused upon the wonderful neighbors I have, who make their yards as beautiful as any reception center you’ve ever seen and then happily share those beautiful spaces with everyone.

Had lovely conversations with several long-time neighbor friends with whom I’ve not had much time to talk lately.

Watched Gleek jump on a trampoline, dance, and generally run around delighted with the whole event.

Danced to an array of tunes from the bunny hop, to the limbo, to that YMCA song, to the Macarena, to I Like to Move It. There were swing tunes, and disco tunes, and just about anything else you can imagine. It was fun to watch as representatives of different generations taught dance moves to each other.

Found Howard patiently teaching Link some basic volleyball bumps and hits.

Watched as Link practiced hits with a girl two years his junior for almost an hour. He had a marvelous time. Several younger children joined them and Link was marvelously patient and encouraging to the kids. He is a good arranger of games.

Was one of the last people to leave the party because I helped clean up and I was as reluctant to have the party over as the kids were. There is something magical about an outdoor party in perfect breezy spring weather. Particularly after dark when the lawns and fountains are illuminated by strings of warm white lights.

Had a beautiful day.