A week with Melissa

We were recently blessed to have my daughter Melissa come for a visit. She flew in from Provo on Friday, January 23rd and returned on January 31st. While she was here I took the week off of everything. I didn't go to work at the church or at the storehouse. I spent all my time with Melissa.

Friday evening we picked her up at the airport and went out to dinner at Bertucci's.

Saturday we went grocery shopping and prepared dinner for someone in the ward (which included Melissa's famous blonde brownies!).

Sunday we attended church in the Oxford Ward, then visited with a group of families (affectionately nicknamed the Stake Wive's club) for dessert (including more blonde brownies but with my twist of butterscotch chips) before returning home to have our traditional Sunday night dinner of pancakes.

Monday Dan had no school due to a professional development day so Fred worked from home for a few hours then took the rest of the day off. We gave Melissa a few choices of places to visit and she wisely chose to visit the Breakers in Newport, RI. (All of the other places were too cold).
We were able to have a private tour (hint - visit the Breakers in the winter if you want the place to yourself!)

Tuesday we went fabric shopping. I wanted to make Melissa an apron but wanted her to choose the fabric. I had a small quilting project I wanted to work on with her so we needed to get fabric for that also. Tuesday evening Melissa traveled with Fred to the Stake Center so that he could attend a meeting and she could have some alone time with Dad while they were driving in the car.

(isn't this the most adorable cat fabric you've ever seen?)

Wednesday was a snow day for Dan, so it was a great day to work on our projects. We started with her reversible apron. It came out really neat and I love the fabrics she chose. We also worked on our quilt blocks. I needed 4 blocks to assemble my wall hanging and it went so fast with both of us working on piecing the blocks. We finished two before going to bed.

Thursday was a 2 hour delay for school so we got a late start. We went back to work on the last 2 blocks and I have finished the quilting and all that's left is the border! Pictures of the wall hanging will be coming as soon as the border is finished. I think Thursday is the day that we worked on cinnamon rolls. She's had some trouble with cinnamon rolls so I shared my foolproof recipe and I'm sure she'll be wowing everyone with her own version very soon!

Friday we went to the temple. It was so nice to spend time in that sacred place together. I love attending the temple. I was able to receive some needed inspiration while I was there.

Saturday we took Melissa to the airport where she was able to board a very empty flight and have a row of seats to herself. She had good flights and connections (even though she flew through Chicago!) and arrived in Provo on time and without any difficulties.

Melissa, thanks for visiting. We miss you!