Another busy time around the shire. Not so much with the land, but with life. Dan is in full swing teaching Catechism at church, we are still doing our church group once a month, and I've joined a women's study of Mater Redemptoris (Mother of the Redeemer) and Mulieris Dignitatem (The Dignity of Women). And then last weekend was our training weekend for teaching the (hopefully) diocese's new Marriage Prep program. I say hopefully diocesan because it's actually just in pilot right now for a few parishes. And if it goes well over time, the desire is that it will be made available diocesan wide. Here's hoping because it's really conversion worthy stuff. A Joy Filled Marriage is based on Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. It introduces the idea that it means something to be a man and a woman beyond biology, that our feminity and masculinity mirrors Christ, and (get this) that marital union is a sacred participation in the Trinity itself. It's hard to get that across to couples who haven't given God a thought since they were 10 and really just want to be married in a pretty church. But this program really does a great job.

Anyhoo, Dan is offically neck deep into maple syrup. Last week he ordered a 2 foot by 6 foot evaporator. And get this, it'll be on skiis so we can ski it around the shire. Now that's just crazy talk.

Little Daisy continues to be the heart of Ana's life. At least once a day Ana gets all bundled up and heads outside to trot Daisy around the shire for a good hour, and Daisy lets her. The other kitties have welcomed her into their sleep pile. She even lets Lucy play with her, even if it is way too rough for our liking.

Toby is busy learning that all toys are just a little out of reach ... therefore the ante has been upped for him to learn how to become mobile. But, for now, I am relishing a stationary baby who loves to just sit and play.

A few weekends ago, we crossed Minnesota and found ourselves in Two Harbors ready to visit with our friends. It was here that Ana was introduced to every girls passion: Dress Up. And the flame continues to burn bright. Each day since, she has dresses and shoes galore (hers and mine) to try on and twirl in (I didn't teach her that). It is really kind of cute.

Here's a shot of Kristi with Aili and Ana on the couch enjoying a morning break with a book, tiaras and pointy pricess hats a-glow.