Beautiful days

We've had a full last few days here, enjoying every minute of this life....well almost LOL. I do have a very strong-willed child after all. :)

It warmed up suddenly overnight Tues, and we woke up Wednesday morning to a snow-less tundra. With no wind and temps in the 40's it was a perfect afternoon to spend outside. 

Bella discovered she could ice skate. She was quite confused when she went to jump into the pond and found herself sliding on the ice. We could not stop laughing. A was mad I wouldn't let her on the ice, but the water was fairly deep and I was not about to let her on melting ice. The dog on the other hand, well I kept her on her leash just in case, but it held her just fine.

 She did manage to brake off a chuck from the edge, and a game of fetch ensued.

 The tundra is beautiful still. From afar it appears all dead and brown, but close up, the colors are vibrant.

 A spent hours working on damming a small stream. I love watching her play and create. Spending hours outside exploring the world.....

 One of her dams...

 Our time outside reveals so much beauty.

 Today was much cooler and we spent most of it inside, hanging out, playing, relaxing, reading, and baking.  The bed was all nicely made this morning, but A decided she needed to make it her own to be comfortable reading. I was on the phone and snapped this pic. She's engrossed in "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator". The sequel to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

 Today was St. Lucia Day. In Sweden this is the official start to the Christmas season. We read a story about St. Lucia yesterday and then read "Kirsten's Surprise". A loves the American Girl books and has my old Kirsten doll. Kirsten relives her holidays of past when she receives her beloved trunk and is able to carry on the tradition of St. Lucia in her new country of America. 

We made St. Lucia's Braided Bread to celebrate. A loves baking, and I love having a helper.

The recipe can be found here.

 A beautiful end to a beautiful day.