The weather turned dreary, cold, windy, and wet. The garden is just about empty. Apples are picked and leaves beginning to fall from the trees. So, we took the lead from the weather and headed inside for a weekend together.
Baking needed done, of course. The kids waiting for mama's latest creation. This weekend - apple pie and pumpkin cookies. Yummy!
Other than that, a good, old fashioned, stay-at-home weekend with the television turned off and nothing to busy our days. Some (not all) even stayed in their pajamas all day!
What I love most about these weekends is what isn't planned, what happens in the moment we don't have mapped out. What amazes me is how unique each person spends those unplanned moments and what connects those moments together.
My oldest putting together his new lego set, Harry Potter's Knight Bus, which he earned by dog sitting for Grandpa. He was so proud of this purchase because it is a rare find. The purple pieces are the rarest. It took him approximately 45 minutes to complete the set, but the sense of accomplishment will last a lifetime.
My middle child began her first book. While I baked, we co-authored the first draft. She patiently attempting the spelling of each word, some she knew and others she did not. She asked about punctuation and the appropriate use of uppercase letters. She was sure to include a title page, dedication, and "created by" within the planning. After much editing, she copied the text into the final product and carefully, thoughtfully illustrated each page. The story is hers - fully, imaginatively, completely hers.
Finally, my youngest child received a paper doll kit complete with outfits to be colored, decorated, and stories to be shared. She spent some time designing, but hours in make believe, making her dolls come alive in her telling of their lives.
Much of their creative energy was spent by themselves, but there were moments when they shared with one another. Those were the most magical of moments, particularly the building of Kidsville, in which each child built and decorated (chairs and blankets) their own home, complete with mailing addresses (and not a single picture, aaaggg!). When Grandpa and Grandma joined us for Sunday dinner, they were invited to dine in Kidsville at a particular child's home (except for Grandpa who had to eat at City Hall, aka the couch, since he apparently can't get down to the floor).
Then,then entertainment. Then, the laughter. Then, baths. Then, bed.
I surely didn't want this weekend to end. Give me pajamas any day!
