This past weekend, I made the big plunge in to my 30’s. Besides walking around the house shouting “It’s my birthday week!” (sorry, babe), I really didn’t know how to handle the whole thing. Frankly, having children cemented adulthood into my brain far more than the number 30 ever could. But, it’s still a big milestone, so you’re supposed to go wheels off celebrating, right?
Randal did a wonderful job planning an overnight date in downtown Fort Worth, where we actually were able to talk and laugh. I even let him beat me in a round of pool. But, on Sunday he gave me the chance to have another awesome date: a mommy-daughter date. Actually, a better description would be a Rachel-Lillian date, because I did everything in my power to throw my mom caution to the wind and embrace some fun. And, if there’s one thing that Lillian is excellent at, it is having fun.
We shopped (for spices), rode a miniature train, ate popcorn, ate ice cream, had “coffee,” and played at a log cabin village. But, more than that, we shared laughs. Lots and lots of laughs. I already knew that my child was pretty funny, as I spend most of my waking hours with her. But, for this sweet afternoon, I was able trade the rule-enforcing-mommy hat for the friendship hat and really was able enjoy her sweet, not-so-little personality. And she shined the entire time.
I got so much out of these precious five hours together, but my biggest takeaway was this: sometimes you need a break from motherhood, but not from your children. I love my Lillian dates, and I hope I get to have many more. She is seriously the best, y’all.