It's almost as cold here as it is in Wisconsin. Almost. But who can even notice such details when the day is so full of family. Yes, I wish the Madison bunch could have been here. In the end, back home, all kids and one parent came down with a virus and there was no way they were going to drive down here and share their woes with the rest of the family. So, unfortunately, they're home. But everyone else is here! Well, later in the day they will all be coming together..
Initially, the morning is calm. I come up when Juniper is already eating breakfast...
The girls have a bath and get ready for their day. It unfolds differently for the two of them. Juniper is going to stay home, with me...
And Primrose -- after helping her mom make candied cranberries for her sister's cake...
And after playing around with my time-released selfies...
... the big girl gets ready for her dance class and recital. (her mom is an expert at ballerina buns!)
She and her parents are off!
Juniper looks at me with quizzical eyes: what are we going to do now??
Ha! Selfies, of course! This grandma will surely be remembered for those time-released picture games!
Ah, Juniper! You don't know that this weekend is really for you, do you...
You don't really understand the concept of birthdays yet. That's okay! You'll grow into it. I expect you'll be counting the days toward your next one and the one after!
In the meantime, would you like to walk over to the grocery store with me?
I bundle her up. It's below freezing and the wind is brutal!
(Even as the city has its own winter beauty after a light snowfall...)
Phew, that was tough going. though! We have a pause for a breath of warm air in the store, where I pick up the essentials: flowers and more fruits (since I tend to make copious fruit bowls for everyone when I am here, well, back home too!).
Time to bundle up again!
On the walk back, Juniper is less willing to stay hidden behind layers of cloth. By the time we reach her home, her cap is off and wickedly tossed to the side, her blanket is pulled down and she is laughing triumphantly, bitter cold wind notwithstanding!
At home, I feed her lunch. As I tidy up, she explores. And finds. Are those presents for me?? Yes, but not today little one! Tomorrow's the party!
Eventually the family returns, another set of grandparents flies down and joins us, Juniper tries on her first pair of shoes.
... and then we all go over to yet another set of grandparents for a pizza supper. With snacks!
Two kids, adored and watched over by five grandparents this weekend! (The sixth one is home finishing his own run with some virus and, too, tending to the animals while I'm away.) And another uncle/aunt combo are here as well!
And still, this is not the birthday celebration. For now, we just enjoy watching the kids cavort. May they sleep well tonight. With visions of sugarplums, or at least sugared cranberries...
... and so much love...
