Cory took both kids out for a bit after we got back from walking Lucy. Ah. The house is completely quiet. No one is reaching for me or calling out "Mommy!" Of course I'll miss it something fierce before long, but for now it's wonderful to just be. And concentrate on me. Another reason I'll be looking forward to their return is because Cory is bringing me a delectable ice cream treat. Yummy!

This afternoon Accalia was painting with watercolors and said she was going to paint a picture of the ballerina on the cover of one of her sticker books. So she did a very abstract rendition of it. That's the first time she's ever painted something while looking at the image for inspiration. Or this is the first time she's told me she's doing it.

On the way to the van just a few minutes ago, Accalia's face started to crumple when she realized I was staying behind, and she said, "I'll miss you." We laid down on the front lawn and cuddled and I asked if she'd be okay if she could bring back ice cream. "I want chocolate ice cream!" she said as she jumped up and ran to the van. It's good to know she'll miss me, though :)