Sitting across the table from my happy 11-year-old made me feel young and old at the same time. I appreciated her the way a grandmother might and I loved her the way only a mother can. It was, for me, a single moment of pure pleasure. One that I won't forget. In that place, that night, I had a feeling of well-being, of giving my daughter the best gift - quality and quantity time with me... I look back fondly at those few seconds remembering that I was blissfully unaware of the u-turn that would follow.Caitrin and I took the black and white scrunchies off of our napkins at the American Girl cafe and the server told us that the small black polka dotted box with a pink bow on it had conversation starters in it that we might enjoy (she plays fast and loose with words like "enjoyment" clearly).
What is your happiest childhood memory (for the adult)?
Caitrin: What? I don't have childhood memories? I'm answering it. Um. Hmmmm. Let me see. I know! My favorite childhood memory was laughing all the way through "Nacho Libre" with Dad. ::giggles::
Who is the funniest person you know?
Caitrin: Oh Dad, for sure. He's so funny.
Who is the smartest person you know?
Caitrin: Oh my gosh. Sorry Mom. I really am. But Dad. He's the smartest person I know. I mean he's just so smart. I can't think of anyone smarter than Dad because he just knows ::giggle:: everything!
So for the purpose of this blog, let's review, shall we?
Best childhood memory: Dad
Funniest person alive, even more than Jack Black: Dad
Smartest person ever to inhabit the known universe: Dad
Reassuring comment at the end of the American Girl "conversation aka attack of the self-esteem of a mother" questions: "Don't worry Mom. When this weekend goes into the past, I'm sure it will be one of my favorite childhood memories, like Nacho Libre."
Hmm. On the other hand, I'm still not funny or smart.
6 comments:
Right up there with Nacho Libre - I've learned that you take what you can get. And my soon-to-be 10-yr-old would be so jealous of the American Girl bistro trip.
She had a great time! And so did I. I just got such a kick out of her unadorned admiration for her dad (and actually really enjoyed it - thinking of how thrilled it would make Jon, too).
What a great trip! I highly recommend that overnight to any mom of daughters. Delightful and innocent and wonderful.
Aw Julie ... this sounds so normal! Luckily the adults who read your blog think you're both funny AND smart!
I'm completely unfamiliar with the American Girl Bistro thingy, though. What is it, exactly?
Who knew I was all that?
The American Girl store has a cafe where you can go to have tea, or lunch or dinner with your daughter. It is an amazing space that is well decorated and perfectly suited to a wonderful time with your girls.
We had the dinner. It included two small warm cinnamon rolls before dinner and then a cute little platter of raw vegetables and hummus followed by the main course and then a dessert of chocolate mousse in a flower pot with heart shaped cookie and cake.
A truly special place.
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