When we got back to Atlanta, Andrew had set up a cozy Christmas surprise for us. The RV was decorated with beautiful paper snowflakes, about twenty in all, each a unique and intricate design. And the best part- a crackling fire! He’d built us a miniature fireplace, hung and filled stockings for us, and even put a completely realistic iPad fire in there! I’ll have to dig up a picture later. It was super amazing and we had a hard time taking it down a few days ago. (The snowflakes are still up.) I want to photograph each one because they are so beautiful.

For Christmas, Ingrid got some Harry Potter Legos, a real porcelain flower fairy tea set, lots of books, a jewelry box, some clothes, and Harry Potter candy. Also a flower making kit, magic kit, harmonica, and a claymation set. Mommy got a new BBQ(!!!), some jammies, earrings, a knitting calendar, and some kitchen goodies. Andrew got some GoPro accessories, zombie comic book, and Star Wars audio drama.

Soon we’ll begin the drive to Florida for Christmas Part II with Grandma Pam and Grandpa Mike. And Mickey :)

The photo of Pluto below is him showing the dogs a new trick- batting at ornaments to knock them off the tree. The dogs didn’t know what to make of it. Pluto and the dogs have gotten on good terms again, thankfully. Otto is back to giving Pluto licks in the morning (which Pluto hates).

I have just decided to give Ingrid and I this week off from school : ) !!! I love being a teacher, but it takes up the majority of my day and then I have to scramble to squeeze in everything else. A break will be wonderful.

These pics are from the past couple of days. Ingrid and Peach both got new hats, as I was suddenly in a knitting mood again. There are some robots that Ingrid and Andrew made together. The little hangers were made by Ingrid one day after she saw a pattern my mom had sent us.

Ingrid earned her 7th Junior Ranger badge yesterday, at Smoky Mountains National Park. Even though she enjoys completing the Junior Ranger activity book, she’s been reluctant lately to turn in her work and get the badge, because the rangers usually grill her on the information, and the one yesterday was pretty tough on Ingrid. Fortunately though Andrew had bought a little surprise for Ingrid for when she got her badge, so she was motivated to go through with it (see “Pigwidgen” the little owl below). She passed with flying colors and I could see that she was proud of herself afterward.

We didn’t spend much time in the park, just one long afternoon riding the tandem plus a couple of hours the following day, but ironically we got stuck on a crazy twisty little road today on our way out, and got to see more of the backcountry! Ingrid really enjoyed walking through the 100+ year old cabins and churches that were scattered along the bike ride. And I felt happy to be on the bike again, riding through the peaceful little hills and valleys of the Smoky Mountains.

We are fully into Harry Potter still, in the midst of the 5th book. Ingrid has taken to writing with a quill that she made from my peacock feather (see below). We look for excuses to go out in the car so we can listen to the book. I don’t know what we’ll do when we’ve reached the end of the series… Ingrid says we’ll do it all over again!

So basically you make a simple dough and freeze the leftovers for next time. Cook whatever filling you’re in the mood for, which took me about ten minutes since it was such a small amount. Then roll the dough and cut out pie tops and bottoms with their nifty little cutter, pour in filling, and close the lid. In 6-7 minutes you have some adorable little pies!!!

The first time we made blueberry and apple pies. Second time chicken pot pies. Both absolutely delish and just the right serving size.

Then yesterday we sewed ourselves a new pet snake using a very realistic pleather from Joann’s Fabrics. Filled it with a combo of stuffing and beans. Not bad for a $2 project. And Ingrid loves it- she has turned to a snake lover now that we’re 5 books deep into the Harry Potter series.

Later on I took Ingrid to the local library where they were holding their weekly “Kid Zone” hour, which turned out to be about making animals out of various autumn leaves. Ingrid LOVED it! I loved it too, since it was free and low key, and there were about 15 other kids her age there. Two little girls came up right away and introduced themselves to Ingrid and I got a little time to browse a magazine. Sweet!

The homeschoolers got in 15 minutes ahead of the regular school kids, so we got pretty good seats, in the 6th row center. Plus, tickets were only $8!

They had set up a really cool special activities area for the homeschoolers, with lots of fun stations. Ingrid got to make some Junie B. spectacles, compete in a memory game, and go on a scavenger hunt.

After the show, the homeschoolers were invited to stay and have a Q&A with the cast. We learned a bunch and it was fun to be with so many other homeschoolers.

Sorry for the blurry photo at the bottom, it’s hard to photograph her on her unicorn, she rides by so fast!

There was a bit of work to get the mane and eyes on, but Ingrid sweetly made lunch (pb&js) so I could keep going. All in all it took us about 2 1/2 hours and there was lots of working together which I loved. Ingrid has named her Sweetie-horn, and she is the mother of the pillow buddy I made Ingrid for her birthday, Sweetie-corn

Later on I snuck a little time for own project, and made these cute little sushis for Ingrid’s tea party. They’re felt, and SO easy to make! Each one took about ten minutes. Can you tell, that one is an Unagi roll, and the other a Philly? And check out the adorable mini roses Ingrid made.