Today was a big day for Chloe.  We went to the hardware store for her very own key to the family homestead.  She took an inordinate amount of time to choose her key, because unlike when I was a kid, keys now have designs.

Once our beloved Esperanza retires next month, Chloe may need to spend some time home alone.  I keep telling myself that this is ok; we are not bad parents.  She’s almost 12 and a mature 12 at that.  She’ll benefit from the independence.  We’ll give her chores to do.  Everybody wins.

In the meantime, Chloe was as happy as that big smile on her face.  Her very own key to the house. Momentous.