Today will be mine and DD10 (nearly 11)'s 7th Mommy/Daughter Day. I started the tradition when she was 3, getting ready to turn 4. Two weeks before the girl's birthday, or thereabouts, the two of us go out for a fun-filled day of whatever the two agree would be a great day of things to do.
The first year I told the wee one that she could pick wherever she wanted to eat. I fully expected McDonalds (a favorite at the time) or maybe Taco Bell. I was flatly shocked when she said IHOP. How did she even know there was such a place? It was not on the list of restaurants we frequented with the kids. She even knew exactly what she wanted to eat.
It turns out there had been a commercial for International House of Pancakes on television. It had very adeptly showed their blueberry pancakes looking as appetizing as possible. It caught that 3 year old's eye and stayed in her mind for who knows how long waiting until she was given the choice of her "dream restaurant meal."
Every year since then that has been a staple of Mommy/Daughter Day, blueberry pancakes at IHOP. It is like a tradition within a tradition.
Last year DD got her ears pierced for the first time. She asked to do it again this year but I decided not to OK that. She did well taking care of herself this year, but I want her to learn some contentment with who she is and what she has rather than upgrading every year.
This year we are shopping for Webkinz, earrings, books, and possibly going to see a movie if there is anything worth seeing for an 11 year old. I'll let you know how things come out.
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