Noelle woke up on Christmas eve morning and told us she thought the talking house needed some new band-aids.  One of my mom’s best friends lives through the forest behind our house (long-time bloggers, you know all of this).  I used to tell Noelle stories of going through the woods (where the pine needles would go “crunch crunch” under our feet) to visit a talking house.  I would then tell of when we arrived at the talking house how the front porch would “squeak” as the boards would say “ouch!  that hurts when you step on me.”  Noelle would squeal with delight at that part.  I haven’t made up a “talking house” story in quite a while, but it made a huge impression on her because every time we visit Jacksonville she wants to go for a visit.

So, off we went.  When the pine needles did indeed go “crunch crunch” under our boots, Noelle said, “I’m in the story!!!”  This stick was to ward off any stray wolves (Noelle’s idea)! 

We took this manger scene cookie bouquet to our dear friends. 

And we’ve arrived at the front porch of the talking house!

So, the band-aids got placed inside this year, because sometimes Mrs. Angle lets the reindeer come through the front door, and Noelle felt the need to prepare the wood for their stomping.

Anna Kate just loves to explore and is happy being along for the ride!

Mrs. Angle and her sweet daughter Claire with Noelle.

Mrs. Angle gave Noelle a cookie and told her to “hide it from Mommy.”  That worked out really well!  On the way back to P&R house, the girls collected pine cones.

It was my joy watching the girls discover nature and breathe in the fresh air of the pines.  It’s so great to escape to the country!  What a fun Christmas memory!

We finished our outing with a good swing before nap time!