Playing with the Dollhouse

Happy girls on Christmas morning. It's awesome, because all three can play with it at once. And, there are enough things to do at different levels of ability. Phoebe loves putting Barbies in and out of the beds. Esther loves making up stories for her characters and moving them around in the space. Leah loves reorganizing the kitchen and all the fun accessories. Speaking of the kitchen, it's probably my favorite part of the house. The kitchen is fully functional; all of the drawers actually work and store pots, pans, plates, china, etc.

I will post (someday) my sources and ideas for making one of these. It was months in the making, and now delights me as much as my girls. (Even Jon has been seen to take part.)

The Doll House

There's a long back story to this Christmas present, but I'll spare some of the details. Suffice it to say, I had a blast making this for my girls. I seriously delighted in every little detail; it was hugely therapeutic: as I mourned the loss of our home in Cali, I rebuilt a new home for my girls. And, they love it!

Merry and Bright

Lolly and Grompin's (my parents) house made a fine repose for our first real Utah Christmas. Thanks grandma Jane and Grandpa Bill for the fun presents as seen in the pics, opened on Christmas Eve. (Note: Esther's gumballs are gone already! Who would've guessed?)

Photo Essay: Esther in the Bushes

A few days before we flew the Sacramento coop, we had delightful help from neighbors and ward members who came to our house to watch the kids while we packed. While putting the finishing packing touches on my office, I got a call of distress and laughter from Mary, who informed me that Esther had thrown herself into one of our bushes and wouldn't come out. I don't remember the exact impetus, but I'm sure it was the overwhelming moving trauma. I had to get my camera. Darn! They uploaded in reverse order. Oh well.

Last Hurrah in South Overbrook!

My dear neighbors, oh how I miss you! This was a going away party for us truly, and the hosts couldn't have been more amazing or charming. I don't know if I'll ever have neighbors this delightful......unless we move back to 4957.