Rainy Saturday

I have a couple of friends with whom we go to the beach for day trips each year. We all, kids and parents, look forward to these days for months in advance. In May we pick dates that we still have free (with 7 kids' activities and camps to consider, plus one mom working full time we need to block dates early).

Usually we have great luck. The dates work well and the weather holds out.

This summer we are 0 for 0 (with one date still to come in September).

Hurricane Bill nixed our plans for yesterday, but it turned out to be a fantastic day anyway.

After running errands all morning we went ice skate at Aspen Ice at Flemington. It was cleaner and nicer than BSA in Bridgewater - albeit less convenient. I was so happy - N loved it and it gave him confidence to feel like he was one of the best kids in our group, for once.

After the obligatory money suck - the arcade games - we went home, dropped the boys and two of us with our daughters headed to Bridgewater Commons. C had earned money last weekend dogsitting and it was burning a hole in her pocket. We started with a very nice dinner, and then hit the shops. Exactly what you'd expect of suburban 11 year olds: Holister, Abercrombie, PacSun, Justice, Aeropostale...

It was just such a nice night - no pressure to buy things (C was very understanding - I was only getting her a few things) and no crowds. The girls were happy and not whining. The boys were at home watching movies. All was well with the world.

I have learned to really appreciate these pleasant evenings amidst the changing relationship between Mom and pre-teen daughter.

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