Little Girl Baker

 I never know what to expect after Aris has been away for awhile.  Transitioning back home is challenging, although I must admit it's gotten much easier over the years.  The longer visits are always harder and this time she was gone over a week.  Normally there is much acting out, yelling and screaming after her return.  It isn't pleasant. But that wasn't what happened this time.

 Yesterday afternoon Aris returned home.  Upon arrival, she wandered into the kitchen and began to create.  Her brother had convinced me to buy a sack of peanuts in the shell which we had left on the counter.  Aris began to shell and chop the peanuts.  When she had enough, she added brown sugar and a small amount of peanut butter creating a lovely topping for ice cream.  We just happened to have homemade blueberry ice cream in the freezer. Soooo good!  And in the midst of her creating, there wasn't any drama.

 Today was similar.  Although she did have a few minor meltdowns, instead of freaking out she baked.  Lemon cookies in the afternoon and then meringues this evening.  Delicious! Aris and I finished off most of the meringues long before they had even cooled.  Even better than her yummy creations were how well she handled the transition.  Perhaps we've found a cure?

 Somehow I think my little girl takes after her mama. :)