One of the best things about being a Dad is experiencing “firsts” with my daughters. Beyond the usual milestones that everyone seems to think of, it’s the little things that always seem to matter most… the first time listening to music on vinyl… the first time we planted seeds together in our garden. Little things that make for BIG memories. With my oldest almost four and my youngest just-turned one, I recently realized that there’s certain “firsts” that I’ll be able to experience twice. It really hit me as Baby Finley started hitting firsts that I experienced with Addie just a few years ago. This past weekend, Addie and I shared something that I can look forward to sharing with Finn in a few years: A first Root Beer Float made with Edy’s Ice Cream and A&W Root Beer.
On a recent trip to Walmart, we gathered supplies to craft our perfect root beer floats. Yes, that’s plural because I bought the ingredients to make two different spins on the classic A&W Root Beer Float Recipe that’s become a time-honored summer classic. For Addie, A&W Root Beer and Edy’s Grand Vanilla Ice Cream. For Daddy, A&W TEN Root Beer and Edy’s Slow Churned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – for a float with half the fat. I was really torn on what kind of glass to get… the old-timey “shake” glass… a frosty mug… or a mason jar. We ended up finding some super-cute mason jars with handles that come complete with lids, straws, and are made of plastic – so no worries about the little one breaking glass.
When the time to make those floats finally came, Addie couldn’t resist digging in for a little sample…
And she quickly got the hang of things…
Meanwhile, I prepared for my own version of the Root Beer Float…
Using just as much care as little Addie, I gently mixed mine… (and yes, that is an old GUNS ‘N ROSES “Appetite For Destruction” shirt)…
While Addie wasn’t too thrilled initially with the “icky” foam she saw forming on the float (keep in mind, she’s never had any kind of pop/soda before – and this, too, will be a “sometimes treat.”), the end result was pretty well-received. I mean, just look at that face. That smile speaks a million words…
As for me, I might’ve enjoyed my float a little bit too much. In fact, I may have snuck another one into my office to enjoy while posting this entry…
What’s your favorite summer treat to enjoy with your little one(s)? Are there any non-standard “firsts” that you find to be incredibly memorable? Feel free to share some thoughts below!
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