Baby Mouse and Party Parent

Vincent and I attended the Saturday matinee of the Nutcracker to watch David and Zoe perform. They're naturals!

Vincent has watched video of the Nutcracker, and was anticipating the scenes: "I'm excited for the snowball fight," and "The battle is soon."

Zoe and David are in the first scene only, so they joined us in the audience for the second half of the show. Baby mouse snuggled on my lap. She's having fun, but is tired from the late nights and novelty of the experience. 

One more performance and then David will put away his dancing shoes for awhile. Zoe won't, though. I'm sure she'll have them on every other day for the next month at least.

Thanksgiving Potluck

Four families gathered to share a potluck dinner. The kids ran wild in the house, across the lawn, and through a tunnel in the hedge. The adults sipped festive beverages and talked baseball and gardening, Volkswagons and travel. A friend helped Zoe and Vincent each pick a golden apple straight from an old tree in the yard. Zoe's came away with leaves, which tickled her face as she ate. Vincent's chin ran with apple juice.

We ate our meal outside, a little bit chilly, but in the last slant of the afternoon sun. Adults hopped up and down to help children, get more napkins, take pictures. Pumpkin pie, made from pumpkins grown by our hosts, was eaten around the fire pit. The kids, now fueled by calories and getting giddy, raced around more wildly than before.

The temperature dropped after sunset, making the fire pit feel even cozier. By six o'clock it was fully dark, and also cold and damp. The children moved inside, and the grownups followed with platters of food and drinks. By the time the leftovers were divvied up and the dishes were stacked, the kids were fading. Zoe and Vincent yawned all the way home.

It was an excellent Thanksgiving. We spent it with good people, in a beautiful place, eating delicious food. I am thankful.

Enjoy The Moment

Yesterday, I submitted an application for a paying job, my first since 2008. Then I attended the burial of a dear friend who died of peritoneal mesothelioma. The hardest part was watching her husband and six year old son at the graveside. So...lots of big feelings. I am thankful for this tranquil fall afternoon.