12/25: Daffodils and Baby Dolls

Somehow baby dolls have become outdoor toys? Well, just on days when the weather is nice. This has been turning into the kids taking LOTS of indoor toys outdoors, which I need to put a stop to... But also, they're leaving me alone and not making a mess indoors? Ah, the joys of parenting. Lucy is very eager to get involved in these games, but then she steals everyone else's toys. It's a great exercise in negotiation for the other kids—if you can negotiate with a toddler successfully, you'll have an even easier time negotiating with *rational* human beings!!

The very first daffodils got a place of honor... In my grandmother's old cordial bottle! It has never been used for its intended purpose here, but it is just so very beautiful that I may need to continue using it as a vase.

The lilacs are getting closer and closer, last year they bloomed at Easter but everything has been a couple weeks later this year. I can't wait for them to open up!!