Party on, Rachel!

Two parties tonight: One was the birthday party of Rachel's friend, Tasanee, at Pump it Up, an inflatable slide/bouncy house playplace in the suburbs; the second was at her preschool where once a month, the kids dress in their jammies, bring dinner and the teachers offer snack and a movie.

We had a very good time at Tasanee's party -- I went with Rachel while Drew tackled his own decluttering project in the basement. I got into a long conversation with a woman who lives in our neighborhood and is sending her daughter to the same elementary school that Rachel will attend. Bottom line: Alameda is crowded, like other elementary schools in Portland, but because of its wealthy demographic and committed parents, it's one of the best schools out there. Technology in every classroom, an extra playground -- "it's like going to a private school without having to pay," she said. We'll see -- I don't like the idea of Rachel being in a class with 29 other kids, and I HATE the fact that Portland has one of the shortest school years in the country -- but as this woman said, in this world people have to learn how to fight for resources.

Then we took surface streets (huge accident on one of the main highways) to preschool, dropped Rachel off and then went to see the last installment of the Batman movie, which blew my mind. I picked up sushi for a late dinner and Drew went to get Rachel. After he got her to bed he told me this story:

He was joking with the kids at pickup and said, "Kids for sale! Which one should I buy?"
"Who's the cheapest?" Rachel answered.
"That's not the only thing, it's who's the most wonderful," Drew answered. "And that would be you!"

And Teacher Vanessa chimed in: "And not only that, she's the most polite!"
"Really??" Drew said.
"Yes," Teacher Vanessa said. "Every time we did something tonight, it was 'please' and 'thank you.' It was a refreshing change!"

Drew explained that manners are very important to us and that we're constantly on Rachel to be polite. Evidently, it's sticking!

***

This morning Rachel and I were cuddling in bed while Drew took a shower. She pretended that the rustling curtains at our window were a sign of ghosts, and she was afraid one would take her away.

"Why would a ghost take YOU?" I asked.
"Because I'm cute and wonderful and delicious!" she answered.

Yes, Rachel, you sure are.