As usual I picked the kids up at school. While waiting for Jesse to get out (40 minutes later than Gavi & Keren) a 1st grader seemingly disappeared from the playground. While those of us left (including the mom) were sure the child was okay, the panic grew for us all. He was found 30 minutes later having gone to a friend's home.
My children have that independent streak. Each one managed to disappear at different times in singles and pairs. I know the panic of a (albeit temporarily) missing child. The memory of it makes you appreciate a child's presence.
Tonight I had planned on taking the kids for haircuts. After school Jesse had an optometrist appointment. Afterward Jesse & Gavi begged to be dropped off. They're both very shaggy, but it's their hair, and it's not a fight I want to have. That left Keren. We headed to First Choice Haircutters after dropping the boys at home. Keren was so excited. She'd planned exactly what she wanted with her hair, and talked about it all the way there. Once at the salon we flipped through magazines looking at styles. She may be 8, but she knows exactly what her style is. Then it was Keren's turn. She told the hairdresser what she wanted, and the three of us talked about hair style, hair care, and her brothers' shagginess. After we picked up Chinese take out and headed home. All the way home Keren talked about her new haircut and the hair products we bought.
Over dinner Jesse shared everything he knew about the creation of the US nuclear navy (which is more than anyone really wants to know). Gavi talked about submarine missions, and Keren shared her opinions. It was a wonderful dinner, peaceful, sweet.
As the kids grow older I know we won't always have the opportunity to share a family dinner on a weeknight. The calm dinners are already growing rare, but I certainly appreciate them when they come.
