I was thinking the other day how little time I have with just one of the girls by themselves, unless it is bed time.  So, I decided that I would take Avery out yesterday for a little one-on-one outing.  We used to have "Super Special Playtime," something a social worker recommended for us when Mia first came home and Avery was transitioning to all the new adjustments.  This was playtime that was child-focused and something we did while Mia was taking a morning nap.  After awhile we kind of outgrew this.  But yesterday I asked Avery about having some "Super Special" time with mommy again and she was very excited.  She didn't really understand that we could leave the house though so she suggested playing dress-up (something we do everyday!).  After I got her to understand we were going to go somewhere, we decided to head to the park.

On the way there I spotted a bead store where you make your own jewelry.  Feeling adventuresome, we headed inside to see what it was all about.  Avery was in heaven!  She ended up making a beautiful beaded necklace out of pink and purple beads.  She was really good at getting them on the thread and did the whole thing by herself.  She was more focused than I have ever seen her.  The shop owners took picture of her as their youngest "beader."  It was quite fun.  They even gave her a magnetic clasp so she can get it off and on by herself.  She was so proud of herself. 

Then we headed to the park, where she rode her bike and we played soccer and on the playgrounds.  Usually when we go to the playground I am busy helping Mia around and Avery generally starts playing by herself or with other kids.  She is very social so this doesn't seem to bother her, but it was a new experience today.  I was able to actually play with her the whole time.  It was a lot of fun and I think we both needed it.  We finished out little outing with Dairy Queen.  On our way home Avery told me "Mommy, you're my best friend.  Thanks for the Super Special time."  It melted my heart like only a child could.  It is amazing what a couple of hours can mean to a child (and to a parent).  I hope that as I continue on this parenting journey that I will remember to spend time like this with each of our children.