I'll start with today and we'll see how far I get with catching myself up with our past week...We are in a lull between two sets of houseguests, which for us means a couple of grouchy catch-up days and then some quiet.  Today looked like blustery chill...perfect for muffins and tea...and rummaging through the recyclables for some craftiness (not my idea! I was busy making the afore-mentioned muffins).  Piano playing (Deck the Halls already!) and knitting.  And glitter glue.

Santa and the Mrs. Lovely use of T.P. rolls, I think

Helmet Head

My sister and my niece came to town a week ago, leaving behind the first snowstorm of the year in Wisconsin. We were all a bit under the weather, but managed a lovely visit just the same. Friday Eliza and her cousin went to Farm School, which meant Ani got to spend the day with me (no big deal) and her beloved Auntissie (really big deal).

Ani told me during their visit that anytime anyone needs anything done, Auntissie says "I'm on it!" You need to go shopping? "I'm on it!" You need someone to read with you? "I'm on it!"  She told me that this is why Auntissie is the very best kind of person. I couldn't agree more. (My sister had to point out to me what a good influence she is on my child. Frankly, I'm waiting for that "can do!" attitude to rub off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

 

Our project for the day was to create an Art Room for us! It was their family's Christmas present to us...

helping...

 You can kind of see what's going on here - a new fold-able table, some shelving, and a canvas drop-cloth for the floor.

 It was put to use right away, of course...painting in pajamas, a favorite around here.

More photos to share as we get more organized and settled-in. This is the kind of project I could have on my list for months before I'd set aside time to accomplish it; I'm so grateful for her help and motivation! The rest of the time was spent playing, talking, enjoying time together.

 Hiking to the Beaver Pond...(no beaver. lots of woodpeckers.)

It is always sad to say good-bye...we usually make sure there's a plan in place, so it's really only, "see you in November!", but this time we're a bit adrift with our knowing when...hoping for Spring.  Ani was lobbying for stowing away in Auntissie's departing car...they gave us their best puppy-dog eyes, pleading...

 Sorry, baby, not yet. Someday we'll put you on a train to your auntie's, but not yet...

Sisters! (can ya tell?!)

Until then, we'll take as many visits as we can get...