Today is one reason why it can be frustrating (in a good way) living here. Winters are miserable, I hate the rain, you'd expect that people would want to socialize then, right? WRONG. This morning it was our turn to host the monthly meeting of the chavurah, which we did at Laurelhurst Park, at the very picnic table where we had Rachel's birthday three weeks ago! (although, PopPop, there were no weird people trying to have a memorial service this time, so Drew was able to affix the permit to the table). It was a really small gathering -- everyone, it seems, is taking their kid to camp this weekend, or picking their kid up from camp, or getting ready to go on vacation. It was also quite cloudy and cool -- I wore three layers of clothes, including my fleece, only to change into a sleeveless shirt and shorts later in the day. We all had a good time; Rachel and Drew went to the play structure and she amazed him with her ability to WALK ACROSS THE MONKEY BARS ALL BY HERSELF!! I can't wait to watch her do it tomorrow night after school, assuming we go to a park. Meanwhile, I sat and chatted with folks, who inhaled my strawberry bread (poor Rachel never even got a slice, I should have held some back for her) and ate bagels and lox.
Around 1 p.m. everyone left and Rachel and I dropped Drew off at home while she and I continued to a community center for a pool birthday party. I was really stunned by how cool the place was -- there's an entire swimming pool just for kids, with a big water slide, lots of water toys, water that squirts out from the side of the pool, etc. Rachel did well with her water wings but still refuses to put her head and face in the water, so I, well, kind of forced her by saying gaily, "one, two, THREE!" and dunking her whole head underwater twice. Oh, she was unhappy and cried, even after I told her that if she ever wants to visit Auntie Anne and Uncle David at their place in the San Juans, and be able to get in a kayak, she needs to really learn how to swim. I'm growing increasingly frustrated with the laggard pace that Portland Parks & Recreation teaches kids how to swim.
Rachel was very well behaved at the party -- no signs of jealousy, and she thanked Linda (the mom) profusely for the cupcakes. We played in the pool a little more after snacks, then it was time to head home. I gardened for about a half hour, then came in and prepared mustard chicken while Drew roasted potatoes and prepared the salad. I ate quickly then went back out and continued gardening, filling six bags with weeds. Ugh. I am apparently allergic to something in my garden; I got hives all over my arm and my face is itching. I took Benadryl and I'm hoping it won't make me feel groggy tomorrow.
I was kind of grumpy when I got back in from gardening; whenever I'm cross or anxious, Rachel always senses it and without a word, she wrapped her arms around my legs and gave me a big hug. She also thanked me for making dinner and said how much she loves my chicken. I am so lucky to have such a grateful child.
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