One of the eggs broke in the pot, while we were making deviled eggs, so it cooked all funny. Violet got to study it with a magnifying glass and it was gross!
Good heavens, I’m the worst Aunt ever! I didn’t realize that it has already been more than a week since you last wrote to me! I’m so sorry, girls—I’ve just been so busy, and I had no idea that so much time had gone by.
I’m so glad you liked all the pictures in my last letter. My kids are so much fun to photograph, and Tevye is finally starting to learn that he’s actually supposed to look at the camera when I’m trying to take a picture of him, so that makes things easier. It’s so nice to have someone to send pictures to, because so far all I ever do with them is show them to Uncle Dustin, and he already knows how cute our kids are!
Willow, I loved you mouse song. It is so great! Do you know what my favorite part is? You used the word rather! Do you know, there are people my age who don’t know what rather means? You are so smart!
It’s neat that you all got to ride on a city bus. When I was in Russia, I used to have to ride on buses a lot, usually between 10 and 15 buses a day. Luckily it only costs 30 cents to ride buses in Russia!
So, do you want to know what I’ve been so busy working on? Well, first, I’ve been taking care of my 2 babies, which is so much work (but a lot of fun, because they’re so cute). But I’ve also been writing a book! It takes a lot of work, too. I actually got all finished with the writing part on Saturday, but I’ve been doing the checking it over since then, which is not the fun part. Writing is fun—looking for mistakes is not fun.
The book is all about how to spin wool into yarn. It is a school book for homeschooled kids like you. I would have loved it if there was a book like this when I was in school! Spinning is really fun, and really cool to be able to know how to do. It always makes me feel like Laura Ingalls Wilder (which is funny, because I don’t even remember if it ever talks about her spinning in her books). The book talks about how to spin with a drop spindle, though, not a spinning wheel. Here’s what it looks like to spin with a drop spindle.
Anyway, when my book is all finished, I’ll have to send you girls a copy. You and your Mom can try your hands at spinning, and then tell me if my book is any good.
I love you girls so much! Before I go, here’s a quick picture of Esther in her jammies to brighten your day!
I love you!
Aunt Tori
I just love getting your letters. I had to laugh about your story with the mice—mice are just so darn sneaky! I’m very glad, for your Mama’s sake, that the mice didn’t really escape. No Mama wants mice running around her house.
Thank you for the lovely pictures. I made the one of the pretty red leaves the background on my computer desktop, and Uncle Dustin thought it was very beautiful. Next fall we are definitely coming to visit you!
Nothing very exciting has happened here, because it has been raining and raining and raining, and we’re all stuck inside (except Uncle Dustin, who is always stuck at work). But the up-side is that we’ve had lots of chances to take lots of pictures and videos! Here are a few that I though you might like:
This is my favorite video yet of Esther. She is such a sweet baby!
Here’s a picture of Tev that makes me happy and sad at the same time. On one hand, he looks so handsome and wonderful…but on the other hand, he looks so big and grown up! My baby! So big!
Here’s one of Esther that I get a kick out of. Tevye found a hat that belongs to her, but is way too big for her still. He doesn’t care, though—every time he finds it, he has to go put it on her head. So we have lots of pictures of Esther in a floppy hat.
Tevye’s been going through a phase where he’s completely fascinated with cars—he even makes the “vroom” sound as he pushes them all over the house.
And finally, is this baby adorable or what?
I love you girls so much! Have a wonderful day today!
Love,
Aunt Tori
I was so excited to read your letter! I love getting letters from you, and I’m so glad we decided to do this! First, let me answer your questions:
1. Yes, the dogs are very afraid of Tevye, and I don’t know why. Betsy wouldn’t even come out of her cage once unless Tevye was asleep—she just sat cowering in the back looking terrified. Poor dog. And the funny thing is, Tevye never even touched her! In fact, I don’t think he even noticed she was here!
2. We haven’t had any snow yet, but I’ll be sure to send pictures as soon as we do. I love the snow, too, so I can understand why you miss it. Everyone says that we’re going to have lots and lots of snow this winter, and I’m really excited.
Your little mice are so cute, and I think your names for them are great! Uncle Dustin laughed when I told him what you had named them, and he thinks you’re very clever. I also loved the picture of the tree you sent. I am so jealous that you are having such beautiful and warm fall weather. It has been very cold lately, and everything freezes at night. If I can ever afford a vacation, I’m going to come and visit you in the tropics.
I can’t believe that Violet is turning 5 already! She was supposed to stay a baby forever! :)
So, I have to show you the cutest thing ever. A while ago, Uncle Dustin and the kiddos and I watched Singing In the Rain, and Tevye loved it. This was his favorite part, I have no idea why
Since then, Tevye’s favorite words are ta tay tee toe too. He says them every chance he gets. Here he is playing with Esther, saying his favorite words:
This is the best, though. Here he’s reading a book to himself. He’s so cute, and he had just gotten out of the bath:
Isn’t that so cute? He’s such a funny little boy!
I love you girls so much, and I love getting your letters. I can't wait to hear from you again!
Love,
Aunt Tori
