It was a moment that almost went by unnoticed. Our little friend Isabella was visiting and the girls were happy to have her over for breakfast. They played like they always do for a while and then the preparations began for a scrumptious breakfast of ham frittata and watermelon (brought by Isabella), french toast and strawberries, and milk. Mommy and daddy were getting things organized when they looked across the divider and saw the girls mulling around, happily doing what they were doing. Quickly mommy turned to daddy and said "we have to put this on the blog". It took daddy a moment to realize why but then, his smile broadened as the recognition of the moment hit him. The girls were doing everything.... Irini was putting out the place mats, followed by the cutlery and plates. Amalia, perched on her small chair, was washing the dishes (pre-screened for glass, ceramic and/or knives), splashing herself, the counter and the wall, but more importantly spraying the plates and cups. She turned the water on and off, as she's been instructed to for years now - to save water when appropriate, and put the plates gently on the rack. At the table, Irini had settled down with Isabella, ready for the meal. Daddy made some coffee. Mommy made the french toast. Breakfast was happily scarfed down with the requisite chit chat and laughter. When the meal was done the girls helped by putting the plates and cups back into the sink and daddy took over the washing as mommy put things away. If you looked carefully you could see, ever so delicately engraved, the soft smiles of contentment around the eyes and mouths of happy parents.
House life hosting friends. Small things can make for big moments. The girls are growing and the parents naturally go through the bitter-sweet feelings of what that means.
