Decorating the tree

The Friends have finally finished decorating the tree here in the Garden!

"The tree is so prickly... but this silvery garland will look lovely," says Flora.

"Hello there sweet little elephant," says Millie.

"Everything is just so sparkly!"

Cubbie meets a chimney sweep... "Chim chim cheree!"

"Hey! Someone get the ladder! I'm ready to come down!"

The tree all a-glow... 

a visit to the tree farm...

Time for the Friends to pick out a Christmas tree!

What about this one over here?

Brrr! It sure is windy out here on the tree farm!

This tree was absolutely perfect. Good thing it fit in the car!

Aw thanks, Cubbie!
This sweet little Christmas branch is just the right size for us!

Thanksgiving with Mr. Piggles

Mr. Piggles is the happy kitchen companion of my sister, Mimi. This Thanksgiving, he invited some of the Friends over for a special holiday feast together.

This little tea cup is Mr. Piggles' favorite perch.
These little Dutch piggies like to help in the kitchen, too.

Welcome to the feast, Friends!

This gentle giant is Lulu. She was made by artist, Heidi  Bartruff.
Lulu was especially fond of Cubbie.

Look at me everybody!
Barney the giraffe is taking me on a tour of the house!

Boy, Stedman Turtle sure is strong!
Thanks for the ride ole buddy!

Stedman? Can you keep a secret?

I won't tell a soul, Cubbie! Not even Millie.

Mmmmm! Looks like the turkey is just about ready!

Cranberries! Cherry pie! Apple pie! I can't wait for dessert!

Hey... where did everyone go?
 I've been hiding in this basket nibbling on  fresh bread!

I think this serious lady saw me though...
Hope I don't get into too much trouble with Aunt Mimi!

Charlotte in Autumn

The Friends were sooooo excited to take a little

weekend trip to Charlotte to visit Chuckie Wabbie!



Ok everybody... squeeze in for a group photo. Say cheese!

A giant leaf pile! Last one in is a rotten egg!

 

Heeheehee! That was soooo much fun!
Wait -- Cubbie? Are you there? Yup!

 

Follow me, Friends! The best part of the yard is the slide!



Heeheehee! You're right, Wabbie! What great fun!!!

The child is in me still and sometimes not so still

... One of my favorite quotes from Fred Rogers, who is always a great source of inspiration to me. I like this quote because it so aptly describes how I often feel in my life. I want so much to hold onto the spirit of my own childhood and share that sense of magic with children I know.

This summer we visited the Children's Museum in my old hometown, Pittsburgh. Our favorite exhibit is Mr. Roger's Neighborhood where you can play make-believe in the castle, sit in Trolley, or watch those wonderful factory films I always loved. If your travels ever take you to the steel city, be sure to visit this amazing museum for children of ALL ages!

Virginia and Cubbie visit King Friday's castle!

Cubbie looking for Henrietta Pussycat in the Tree House.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - 1st Show Part 2
Uploaded by jpatterson22. - Watch feature films and entire TV shows.

The Sugar Cube Tea Party

This week we were treated to a lovely evening at the home of our dear friend, Becky Becker. 

Lemon ginger tea with extra sugar cubes... My favorite!

Becky is an amazing puppeteer and creates the most wonderful shows for young children!

Miss Becky said we can jump on the bed! HEEHEEE!!!

Becky's home is a most magical place... tiny little treasures at every turn.

Cubbie hears a secret from an angel...

Maybe if we work together we can walk across the room in these old boots!

We're all wondering what's inside this magnificent painted box!

For more information about Becky Becker and her puppets, please visit her website!

http://www.beckysboxofpuppets.com/

Millie

Sometimes, I must admit, it's incredibly difficult to send my little Friends off into the world... I became so attached to this little girl, that I decided to keep her as my own. I named her Millie after a character I created in my college days. 

It wouldn't be Charleston without some rainy day fun!

Better grab my umbrella!

Looks like more rain is on the way... More puddle-jumping!

Cubbie HEARTS Millie 4 Ever!

Lambchop

My grandmother is an amazing seamstress. Many of my fondest childhood memories are of her sitting at her sewing machine with me nestled close by. She made my sisters and I EVERYTHING! Toys, clothes, even our underwear! Grandma showed me how to sew little projects here and there, but I admit I didn't catch on right away...

Now that I am a mother myself, I have revisited those old sewing lessons, much to my grandmother's delight. My own daughter has also expressed great interest in hand-sewing, and we've spent many hours bonding over needle and thread.

Her latest project, a sweet little creature she has named, Lambchop.


"Lambchop is shy, gets nervous easily, and only hangs out with his kitty friend, Feathertail who helps him be more adventurous."



"Come on Lambchop! You can do it!"



Peche and Lettuce play tag with other Friends at the park.

Phew! Virginia & Cubbie are safe at homebase!

Meet Cubbie

Someone reminded me earlier that Cubbie has not yet received an official introduction!

Cubbie is one of my personal Friends and lives with us here at the Garden.

He travels with me wherever I go...

Cubbie is especially friendly and will often help a fellow Friend as he or she begins a new journey!

Flora

Have you met Flora?

Flora is one of the original Paisley Garden Friends! She is a bit shy, and if she travels, she is always with her dear friend, Cubbie, for companionship.

Several weeks ago, they accompanied Rubee to a birthday party at Cupcake! Flora enjoyed a scrumptious cookies-n-cream cupcake. Cubbie chose double chocolate lemon! Yummy!

Cubbie

Cubbie has been visiting Friends in Pennsylvania...

"What's this? I wonder what kind of bird it could be."

Virginia spies a feather, too!

"I hear honking! Could it be a goose?"

"Hi there feathered friends!"