Celebrations

Yesterday the whole family went to Nelson’s cafe for dinner, using my birthday as an excuse.  Sydney’s mom, Dora, brought me a huge arrangement of flowers from their garden, with layers of gladioli, sunflowers, and marigolds, and Katherine was given the run of the restaurant.  The food was delicious, as I knew it would be, but it was also just wonderful to be able to go out with Katherine and not have to worry about keeping her strapped into a high chair.  We had the place to ourselves for the time being, leaving Katherine free to check on the action in the kitchen, bring me bags of coffee and tins of tuna, and, after I went to investigate the sudden silence, smile sweetly up at me as she collected loose change in a mug.  The mix of formal food and setting with easy, casual family time made it all very special.

Erin