Michael and I have been keeping regular company for about 40 years now. These are the fruits of our labor: grands who like us, and each other.

We hosted the girls so their parents could go off, jaunt about, and arrive back exhausted, but happy.

We stayed with the girls, and are exhausted, but happy.

We started the first day by putting GG#2 to work making blueberry banana bread. Both girls gave it two thumbs up.

Later in the day, GG#1 learned how to make her favorite bread: no knead baguettes.

We finished out the first day with dinner at a supper club on a lake. The girls behaved beautifully. We make better food, but can’t compete on atmosphere and funny people watching.

Day #2 began with baking the no knead baguettes. GG#1 made individual sized loaves. Small loaves are easier to shape and place on baguette pans with small hands.

GG#2 then helped make spelt/black barley rolls. They went well with bean soup, which was better received than restaurant fare.

GG#2 also helped make a Valentines Day cake. They applied the sprinkles. The girls opted to save the cake for Day#3, so they could share with their cousins. Then again, they did get to gobble up the cake scraps and leftover frosting, so they may have already been adequately steeped in chocolate.

The rest of the day was taken up with making presents for their parents, which required a lengthy bath afterwards. We forgot to pack the presents, so photos of their creations will have to wait.

Day #3 brought the cousins. It was a whirlwind visit (hence few photos), as GG#3 wasn’t feeling chipper. Turns out she has an ear infection and RSV, which explains her need to be home and cuddled. The Grand Guy finished his artwork at home.

The girls found the harvesting of the corn crop that afternoon fascinating.

We got our own snuggle time later in the day. No photos of reading books, playing board games, walking in the woods, visiting fuzzy cows, picking up rocks, playing on swings, making snow castles, watching movies, eating popcorn, and other delights. They were happy to go home on Day#4, but also gave us big hugs and promises to visit again. Caring for children is hard work, but the best use of time ever.