Making a Memory

Saturday we had our block picnic. It's not for the 4th, since we are Canadians and celebrate the 1st as Canada Day, but it was a great day to have it nonetheless. We had BBQ, people brought salads and desserts and nibbles, and there were toys for the kids. Our block actually has a big empty triangle in the center that is perfect for kids to play, so that is where they were.

We all ate and the kids played for a long time. Ray took Liam home to bed just before 8 pm, and I stayed out with Xander. Normally Liam is in bed by 7 and Xander by 8. Normally. Xander was having such a good time that I just let him play. Just before 9, I started to make moves to take him home to bed too. Then there were sparklers for the kids...and that is when Xander got wind of fireworks coming. Fireworks! Xander had never seen fireworks and I was taking him home to bed.

I got him home and our stuff home. He was really good about it. No yelling, screaming, or throwing up (yes, the last one can be an issue). We got in the house and weren't home 5 minutes and he said (very nicely), "Mommy, I would really like to go and see the fireworks."

Ray and I were amazed. Usually this sort of request comes with whining, crying, and much ado. This time it was quiet and polite. A request. A bit wistful, but no fit involved. We discussed it quickly and decided that this was one night and it would do no harm, so Xander was quickly changed into pajamas and a sweater, and I got pants and a sweater on, and we headed back out. He sat on my lap for a while, then on someone else's blanket with his friends, and enjoyed every minute of it.

Watching his face as he saw those first fireworks is a memory that will stay with me forever. I'm glad we made it.