what birds will find us this year?

I promised to try and remember to remind people before New Year's Day about a tradition our family has followed for years now: that of noticing the first bird we see in the new year, and adopting that bird as "ours" for the year.

Me. And some birds.

Consider yourselves reminded!  And please stop by and tell me if you decide to look for a bird to start off your new year...

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Around here...things still look a bit festive!  And we've been busy...

Eliza is working on a waldorf-type soft-bodied doll that she received for Christmas as a kit.  She is so dear (the doll. and the girl.), and after a few moments of frustration, we figured out what we were doing and she's looking pretty doll-like! Eliza is deciding to keep her bald for a few days before we attempt the hair.

Today there was a good morning of Out - the girls decided to go ride bikes in the parking lot at the school across the street...

The best part was how supportive and encouraging they were of each other.  Eliza called herself Ani's pit crew, and would call out "Come on, Little Huffy! Come on, Champ!"

We are re-reading Wise Child by Monica Furlong, having just finished Juniper, which is the prequel, but which we read second. The girls are so absorbed in this book, and I read for a couple of hours this afternoon while Eliza worked on and finished a small crocheted rug, and Ani learned how to make a crocheted chain (she was so. excited.)

I need to remember such peaceful days such as these, where everyone's needs are being met, and there are no fights to break up or stay out of, and we flow from one thing to another so well...