Point of Parental Pride

1200 miles in the car = only 2 movies watched

Today, we are not moving, not driving, not speaking and watching movies and doing laundry all day.

It is good to be here.

Blanket Apology

Katie, asleep under Pinky, somewhere in South Carolina

Blankets are important. I never had a special blanket (admission: thumb sucker). But I have known a few critically important "blankies" in my day. The girls love theirs.

Anna's is mission critical at all times. Since she was a tiny tiny she gravitated toward a yellow crocheted blanket made by Sister Immaculata, my high school home room teacher. Her name is Boo. Misplace her at your peril.

Katie loves Pinky. Dear friend Ann Gallagher gave her Pinky when she was born. Maddie Brown Bear was top dog for the first few years; but Pinky has become the go-to friend in the last two years. She is cape, stole, tutu, toga, tent, pillow, sunshade.... everything you want in a friend.

Our summer road trip is going well, and at each stop, I make sure Pinky and Boo are in the car seats, ready for a few hundred miles.

However...

The other night, we were actually staying in the same location for two nights in a row. I grew careless.

We went out for an evening BBQ at Aberdeen Farm on the James River. Beautiful night. Beautiful friends and family. I came prepared with PJs and the girls settled in with their new friends. Anna with Boo, and Katie with..... well, two water babies (the twins, Molly and Emma), her singamajig, Merlia, the mermaid Barbie, Zuma, her pink glitter dolphin friend, and.... no Pinky.

Pinky was safe in the Hampton Inn, nestled cozily in the duvet. Where, I mistakenly assumed, she would not be missed for the evening.  hahahahahaaha

She was missed.

Vocally, repeatedly, mournfully, missed. Making a 15 minute drive into an eternity. No consolation from the front seat could improve the situation.

Anna spoke up. Words, weighted with understanding, from a fellow blanket lover offered,

"I didn't forget my Boo. I very happy."

Grammar Police AND Fashion Police

K: Mama, I want my hair to be fixed just like yours.

J: I don't know, babe. My hair isn't doing that good this early in the morning.

A: [with an appraising look] It isn't doing that well. Maybe you need to go to the hair salon store.