Now that Christmas, New Year, and two family birthday celebrations are over, it's time to settle in to the summer holidays ahead of us: about three more weeks' worth (for the children) and one or two more for Tom. On the agenda for the children are many playdates: they love inviting their small friends over. Today we had two children arrive in the morning and Tom built them a tent outside with some quilts and wood. Inside, I sewed up two made-to-order skirts for the girls: princess-style, from pieces of silk and vintage lace. Fun for me and them.