Ritual

Anthony's story time at the library is over until the New Year, but we just can't let go of our Wednesday evening ritual.  Wednesdays are a highlight for me (and I think Anthony, too) because it gives us a chance to do two things we both love... read books and drink "coffee." 

After dinner this evening, Dan and I packed up the boys and headed to downtown Willoughby.  We took a short walk in the sunshine, and the boys let me check out a few of the shops. 

We stopped by the library, where Dan and Jimmy read books in the fire engine...

While Anthony quietly read on the couch.

We picked out a few books, and then headed over to the coffee shop for a cookie and a few minutes of family conversation. 

I love that Anthony, despite all of his energy, will sit with us, and be a part of our conversation as we talk about our day.  He listened (fairly) intently as his dad talked about a science lab he did with his students, and he shared tidbits about his day at the sitter's house.  Jimmy was unusually quiet, as he took in the sights and sounds of the coffee shop.

After we (almost) finished our coffee/tea/juice/cookie, we packed the boys back into the stroller.  As we always do, we stopped outside the jiu-jitsu studio, where Anthony loves to watch the "wrestlers."  

The library, the coffee shop, and the jiu-jitsu studio might seems like an eclectic mix of destinations, but they are part of our Wednesday ritual that I look forward to all week.