Bread Day

Today was bread-making day at Erin's. We get together about every week or 10 days to bake bread. It goes pretty quick, thanks to Erin having two ovens! Ellie is usually our right-hand helper, but she was feeling a little under the weather and was with Grandpa getting lunch during the mixing process. As a result, Hattie was our new little helper. And quite a helper she was! I think she finally realized what she's been missing out on....because she's usually asleep while we bake. But today I had a Dr. appt. and Erin had a VT appt., so we got a late start. Anyway, Hattie LOVED wearing her apron. In fact, when we tried to take it off later, she protested loudly! She still has a bit to learn to catch up to Hattie, but she's the best taste-tester around. She's a little snitcher!!



After we finished the bread, Erin took Ellie to the Dr. and we stayed with Hattie and then Mark picked Eliza and Libby up from school. By the time they got home, Erin was back and we headed home to meet Brian. We get a priceless opportunity one afternoon a week to have Brian all to ourselves. He has his Master's classes on Tuesday nights, and he stops by here on his way. We usually have something for him for dinner and he takes a few minutes to kick back, relax, and have dinner before he's off to class. We enjoy his visits a lot.

Then tonight, Mark and I made a dent in our Christmas shopping. We're done with several people on our list, but still have a way to go before we're done.

Tomorrow is a long-awaited day for the girls of the extended Bowler family. It's our yearly "girls' day out". We started the tradition the last year Mom was alive at Thanksgiving time....six years ago. It's hard to believe it's been than long. Anyway, we go to Kierland Commons for some girl shopping, then to Cheesecake Factory for lunch. There's a lot of giggling, laughing and sharing of food! It's a wonderful time to reconnect with sisters, aunts, and cousins. I'll post pictures later this week. Ellen, Audi, Kamille, Chris, Michelle, Patti and girls....we'll miss you this year. Hope you can make it next year!!