I love fudge and any excuse to make fudge. All that delicious chocolate as it melts in my mouth (although my favorite is still Russian fudge) brings a whole new meaning to the word “savor”. I didn’t plan enough time yesterday to make Russian Fudge but the kids and I did get to try our hands at a new recipe. Chocolate Caramel Walnut Fudge… absolutely delicious.    

Then today Lily asked for a tea party so we spent all afternoon planning and decorating for it…

With the table set, the caramel drizzled “fancy” on the plates (everything has to be fancy like Fancy Nancy), the invitations made and posted on every entry door to the house (we didn’t know which one Mary would come into), the stuffed animals/dolls seated, and accessories found and displayed… we sat in anticipation. Lily instructed me in a very serious tone that we had to hide until mom got home so that we could surprise her, and so the hunt for the perfect hiding place began. We crawled under the table and practiced several times jumping out and yelling “SURPRISE!” until Lily felt like we had mastered the skill. Then we sat (under the table) waiting... five minutes went by… ten… fifteen…the anticipation was completely overwhelming. Finally, Lily instructed me sternly to sit by the window with Hannah and watch for Mom to get home (a much better solution for an anxious 4 year old). Not quite sure though if I could handle such an important job she kept eyeing me asking every few minutes “are you watching??”.  Just when she could not wait any longer all was not lost, Mary pulled up in the driveway and I haven’t seen a little girl move so fast. When Mary walked in she properly exclaimed how surprised she was to get the invitation. Lily either couldn’t remember what to say or wasn’t sure what to do because she stayed hidden under the table! Mary kept talking while Lily tried to figure out what she was supposed to do. Mary finally asked where Lily was because she wasn't sure where she was supposed to go. This clicked for Lily and out she jumped with a big “SURPRISE!”. Mary did fabulous acting completely surprised.

Accessorizing before sitting down to tea.

Fancy fudge. Monkey was the guest of honor until Mom got home.

Hannah loved being part of the party and thoroughly enjoyed her empty plate and fork. She looked so grown up in her little chair, she hardly looked like the little baby I thought she was when I first got here. Mommy kept a hand on her leg just in case.

All in all a fun time to be had by everyone. Lily was quite excited about the way it turned out and had all sorts of ideas for the next one. The planning has begun and this time with LISTS!! A girl after my own heart.