We’ve been sharing our Favorite Parts of the Day over dinner since Poppy suggested back in 2011. Pete’s highlights nearly always include the snacks he enjoyed over the course of the day, Poppy always appreciates time spent with friends, and both kids love it when they wake up in time to have breakfast with Rockford. My favorite parts of our days tend to be snuggles, watching the kids succeed in their various activities and — when I have the opportunity — recharging with some alone time. Rockford is generally, like his son, grateful for his food and time spent with me and the kids.

I love hearing what the kids find memorable and enjoyable. It’s always fun when one of their friends joins us for dinner, too, and Poppy and Pete include them in our family tradition. It usually throws them off a little a first, but then they too start to enthusiastically rehash the best parts of their days.

Just like in 2011, when we first started talking about our Favorite Parts of the Day, I tend to focus on the negative. Sharing our Favorites has become one of my favorite parts of our days, and I think it’s helped me accentuate the positive a bit, at least for a few minutes while we sit down to dinner.