They're gone

When the family leave I usually post a picture of the three girls, taken as they leave, but I thought today I would record the moment with a photo taken yesterday (extra) - the three girls with their favourite Auntie Jo Jo. Every teenage girl needs an Auntie Jo Jo - who has travelled a lot, loves nail polish, can plait hair, wears smart clothes, is happy to play Netball, or anything really, is interesting to talk to. She takes them shopping, buys them the perfect presents - they all adore her and want to be like her. 

But today's actual blip is a piece of sewing, completed within minutes of their departure. Ella (nine) chose her fabrics from my collection, cut and placed them, pinning them down. Then I showed her how to stitch the pieces in place and, as soon as I said she could let the stitches go wherever they wanted, she was away. Every stitch on here is her own. She chose, cut and stitched lace and then wanted buttons. She chose some from my collection (that took a long time!) and then this morning I taught her how to sew them on. I am amazed by her rapid learning, her decision making and her enthusiasm. I think it is a lovely piece and so much better than if she had been following a pattern that had to be 'right'.

Thank you so much for following our family visit. It has been long in the planning - difficulties with distance, school, work, family circumstances . . . and of course Covid (we two are the only ones in the family not to have had 'it') has made it a long wait. But it has been well worth it for a fabulous weekend.