As you've probably gathered if you've read my blog for a bit, I tend to be a planner. I have weekends planned out from now through Christmas. I know what I am wearing tomorrow and I know what my daughter is wearing tomorrow. I know what I will have for lunch not just tomorrow, but well into next week. Spontaneous I ain't.
That is why it was a bit of a shock, even to myself, that I decided on Tuesday that I will fly to DC on the 21st and bought the tickets about five minutes after that. Of course, I am taking my daughter along. We will be there a week before her birthday, so my sister and I quickly decided that we will have a little celebration and invite various family members. I could not wait to pick the kid up from school and tell her the good news.
It was raining, so I loaded her into the van before laying it on her. "Guess what?" I started. "You and I are going to fly to Virginia! We'll see Meemaw and Granddaddy and Great Grandma and your aunt and you cousins. And the best part of all is that we're going to have a birthday party for you!"
She looked at me through furrowed brow. "But, I won't be five yet. I won't be five until May 3rd." Kids. So damned literal about everything, eh?
"It's okay, " I explained. "It's okay to celebrate your birthday a week early. I just talked to Meemaw and she can't wait to see you and bring you some presents!"
"But . . ." Again with the furrowed brow. "I'm not five yet."
So anyway, I'm pretty excited. I haven't had a vacation for a while. I never really regret moving away from the DC area, but I do love to go back and visit.
In case you wondered, we are including A's dad in a birthday celebration closer to her actual birthday (after we return from our trip). We booked a "kidsuite" in a hotel that has a water park inside. She wants a Spongebob cake, which should be fairly easy to find. We're thinking of getting her a scooter for her birthday, despite her track record of having zero ability to balance.
Tonight we are going to a "spring prom" at the elementary school. I'd be more upbeat about this event if it hadn't snowed all day. This is somewhat unrelated, but I have to share the exchange I had with A after school today. I had stopped for gas after picking her up. As I was waiting for the tank to fill, I ducked back into the van to put my credit card away.
Her: What are you doing?
Me: Putting my credit card away. What are you doing? Thinking?
Her: No
Me: Really, there's nothing in your brain?
Her: Yes, it's full of jokes.
Me: Yeah? What else?
Her: Unicorns. Oh, and yellow fries. I love fries.
And here I thought she'd stumbled upon the meaning of life or something. That's it for now. Until next time . . . okely dokely do!