71/365 Dance and Ice Cream

Fiona danced in the park today. And that was fine and good--but afterward Zelda and Travis asked if Bree might join us as we walked around the festival. That was no big deal, I traded a dress for an extra child.

We found a bit of lunch and some water for Fiona, and then walked around the vendors. Fiona had mentioned getting a hair wrap, you know, like you get on the beach in Mexico, with embroidery floss and beads. Hippie stuff. She'd had it done about 4 years ago and had asked every summer since. So we found the same old woman at the Peruvian stand and waited. Bree debated: did she want to spend her own money on this or not? She waited with Sophia for 15 minutes before deciding it wasn't worth it. So she played with Billy in the grass behind the booths while I paced and waited and acted patient.

It was an act. I wasn't impatient because of the two girls in front of Fiona--you wait your turn, 'nuff said. But after the second girl was done, her sister's beads fell out and the woman had to redo the bottom of hers. Also not a big deal, except that she spent at least 10 minutes fussing with her husband, straightening crap in front of her booth, wandering, drinking something that looked like beer, and shuffling around. Billy was a trooper, and so was Bree. Fiona's turn finally came and she got her hair done and it was great. Super. She was happy and looked like a ragamuffin and I paid the lady and we left.

Fiona and Bree shopped a bit more--even at $1.50 an inch, it hadn't broke Fiona's bank since her hair is so short. We were all hot and tired, though, and I suggested we go over to the ice cream place on the corner. Fiona was all over that suggestion but Bree looked hesitant.

"My treat, for waiting so patiently for Fiona."

Her face relaxed. I think she'd spent the rest of her allowance on tiny crocheted dolls from Nicaragua and stuff like that (just like Fiona had, and Iris and Eliza when we ran into them earlier...).

Chocolate for Bree, mint for Fiona, and Billy and I split a Texas pecan. Ah. We sat in the air conditioning and had a nice moment before we walked the three blocks home (which was no big thing after walking all over creation earlier). And Bree? She must have thanked me a dozen times for the ice cream. And frankly, I'll take her for ice cream anytime. I don't know if kids just don't get that, that if you're gracious and grateful and polite, adults really like you. And if you're a snot who think you're entitled to things, adults tire of that quickly.