Ah what beautiful sounds!

3 children happily playing on the front porch and a baby sleeping away in his crib.

My niece is visiting for a few days and it has been wonderful. I have always told my friend that "I need a Luke" of her 11 year old son who is so helpful with her 3 year old. Who knew that any 11 year old will do. Niece has brought new excitement to train play and the trains which I was about to put in the attic because they haven't seen the light of day since I hosted play group in May have brought hours of enjoyment when combined with a creative 11 year old mind. This has me thinking more about a mother's helper for the fall. An older child who I could pay to occupy them even if he/she wasn't able to be alone with them. It would still help!

Carol Anne
(who is going to go take advantage of this calmness by folding piles and piles of laundry.)

I will update later. As much has happened since December!