Saturday was fantastic. Rachel and I went to my regular nail place for Mommy/Daughter manis and pedis -- I told Rachel it was a treat because she'd worked so hard this year in kindergarten. I got glittery red toenails; she got deep purple ones with white polka dots, and pink nails with flowers on the thumbs. Then we got to her swim lesson in plenty of time to change, and I got to watch her swim; she has improved a lot, but is still a little hesitant in the water, so we'll probably need to add an extra lesson during the week come fall. (In retrospect, we should have signed her up for a swim camp. Oh, well, maybe next year.) Then it was off to her final tee-ball game! No rain today, so I got to watch her get some good hits -- it's amazing how I get such a charge watching Rachel play sports successfully -- and then we had pizza and cupcakes thoughtfully provided by Coach Rucker, who has really been a great coach this year; gentle and encouraging. He provided a great introduction to the sport and we hope to keep the team together next spring.
Rachel and I were exhausted by the time we got home, so we both agreed to take naps. After she and I slept an hour or so, she crawled into my bed and cuddled up against me and fell asleep AGAIN while I stroked her hair (I was awake by that time) and kissed her gently on the top of her head. Then I reminded her that we should get to the block party.
It was in full swing when we arrived. I finally met the parents of Izzy, one of Ivy and Rachel's playmates. Her mom, Jen, is Jewish and she and her husband, Matthew, are from Montreal. They're friends with another Jewish family (mom is Jewish; dad isn't) across the street, and Jen told me great things about Rodeph Sholom, the synagogue we are thinking of joining in Falls Church. She spoke very highly of their summer camp and especially their Hebrew school, which is on Sunday mornings. Apparently the kids love it, and Rachel has said several times she'd like to start going, so maybe we'll join and sign her up. It's on Sunday mornings, so if we can pack her activities into Sunday rather than Saturday, then that will leave Saturdays for family-only time, which I insist on because of my wacky work schedule (Sundays-Wednesday nights and occasionally Thursday nights, too.) Jen says the families try to get together for the holidays, and when I told her I smoke brisket and make my own challah and babka, she was definitely interested. So glad to have found two Jewish families in our neighborhood! I'd been wondering where they all were...
There was a bouncy house that Rachel loved, and a Ping-Pong table, and the neighborhood swing. There was even a talent show, with a microphone (and Rachel decided to do a "gymnastics trick" -- a cartwheel -- and everyone applauded) and then at 9 p.m. the grownups rigged up an outdoor screen and we watched...The Incredibles! The volume was too low but it was so fun sitting next to Rachel, who had changed into one of Ivy's nightgowns and they snuggled under a blanket next to each other while the older kids passed out glow sticks and the grownups made fresh popcorn and gave everyone a little bag of it. It was cool enough for blankets and a sweater but warm (and light! The summer solstice!) to feel like summer in Mayberry, or something. Poor Drew was stuck in Madison because of weather issues, but he finally resolved it and should be here tomorrow by 1 p.m.
"This is the best block party EVER!" Rachel exclaimed by the end of the evening, and I had to agree.
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