Spa Day for Mom

Around 6 pm Philip asked me if I had ever been to an all-day spa. He wanted to know what one cost and I told him about $100 (I could be wrong) but suggested that he could get a mani-pedi for about $40. Ends up our whole bizarre conversation was a prelude to one of the those mother-son moments when you realize that the eight hours spent at the amusement park slowly turning into a giant freckle while paying out the nose for greasy amusement park food made your only boy want to treat you to a spa day for being the best mom in the world. Not a terrible end to a day that started with me chopping off locks of his hair (by request) so that the swim goggles would be easier to put on. I think that Philip is my gift from the Universe for learning patience.

The Virginia Renaissance Faire

Outings that include corsets, ax throwing and a purse full of chain mail bits tend to work well for us. In spite of some initial complaints (all Philip) about the heat, the sun, the "why do we have to do this hot boring thing?" moments... we still managed to enjoy ourselves. Next year we're aiming for Pirate weekend...argghh.

Reine treated herself to a braid called the huntress.



Philip got to throw an ax, something I never allow him to do at home, much to his chagrin.

Emile and I tried on corsets. Note what seems to be missing from the pictures Emile took of me (in fact there was no picture available with my head), what do you suppose that means?



While I was getting cinched in, I had a terrible moment of claustrophobia. I think I was imagining the impossibility of a quick exit if I suddenly felt incapable of breathing. Sips of water and actual breathing helped. It's surprisingly comfortable even if a deep breath isn't possible. I suppose the choice is perfect posture and a tiny waist over full lung capacity.

Establishing a transatlantic World Cup pool has elevated procrastination to a whole new level in this household. At least for the grownups. I accomplish almost nothing from 7 AM to 4 PM daily. In theory this will pass as we move out of the group round because I have tests to take and papers to write and a kid summer schedule of pools and amusement parks that beckons.