Little Women

Yesterday we finally saw the new version of Little Women. Some of you may remember that spent a cold, rainy October day in 2018 as an extra (and no, sadly, there wasn't even a glimpse of me). While the girls and I liked this version very much  (it was gorgeously shot and acted and costumed) we did find it too time-jumpy for us. No matter the version (the 1994 one being our most fave) Little Women will always hold a very special place in our hearts (as it always has). And while I have always felt drawn to both Marmee and Beth, I found that in the newest version I connected much more deeply with Beth. Perhaps it was that Emma Watson was the one portraying her. Or perhaps it was because Beth and John Brooke remind me SO very much of Dave and I. No matter what it was, Emma Watson absolutely did that character justice (as did Saoirse Ronan in her portrayal of Jo). Susan Sorandan's Marmee will always be the Marmee I connect most deeply with, especially the scene where she writes the letter pulling Amy out of school. From the minute I became a mama that character took on new meaning for me and I have felt a very deep and definite connection with her, as if we are kindred spirits! If you are a Little Women fan we definitely encourage you to see this beautiful new version from Greta Gerwig. It is absolutely worth two hours and fifteen minutes of your day! 

Sunday Afternoon At Orchard House

Sunday afternoon after church I surprised the girls with a trip to Orchard House. Little Women is a favorite here in our house ("They remind me so much of our family, mama!") and I have been waiting for just the right moment to take my little women to see the setting of one of our most favorite stories. When I saw a post about An Alcott Christmas Stocking on the Orchard House Facebook page I knew that the right time had finally arrived!

Once inside (after a bit of exploring in the Little Women Garden, of course) we didn't have to wait long before our tour began. Sadly, we were asked not to take photographs, so the few that I have of things from the inside are things that we saw in the gift shop afterward. We first met Louisa who gave us a bit of background about her and her family, and who also explained to us that her family would often fill stockings full of all sorts of goodies to take to local families in need. The Alcott girls grew up much like how Grace and Emma are growing up- being told from a very early age about kindness, generosity and making sure to share with others who are in need more than we are even if, perhaps, it means passing along something you were really looking forward to enjoying. After our visit with Louisa was finished we then met Marmee, followed by May (the youngest of the Alcott girls, and the sister who Amy March was based on) and finally Bronson. At each spot we learned a little more about the Alcott family and we also added things into the Christmas stocking that our group was carrying with us. Each time that one member of the family shared something about their family that sounded like our family the girls would look at me as if to say: "Oh my gosh, mama, that's just like us!"

Afterward, we poked around in the gift shop for a bit, before settling on three Little Women sachet dolls. Amy for Emma, Beth for Grace and Marmee for me. "I just love Amy, mama! She is just like me and I'm like her!" proclaimed Emma. "Mama, are you going to get Marmee? We can't have the girls if you don't have Marmee! It just wouldn't be right!" said Grace (who is so much like Beth from Little Women it's as if the character was based on her!

With our dolls safely tucked into their bag we made our way to the car. Once inside we began our journey home, talking all about our wonderful afternoon adventure! "You know, mama, you really did need two more daughters! Then you really would  have all the Little Women!" xo

The Day After Christmas

In my effort to get all caught up before 2013 comes to a close I present to you The Day After Christmas! 

There was lots of Lego building!

My little women and I snuggled on the couch to watch Little Women.

This became an instant favorite when they saw it a couple of weeks ago. I see a lot of myself in Marmee (especially the way she is with her girls). Grace is our Beth and Emma is our Amy. I've always loved this story but even more so now that I am a mama to my own little women. 

Later on we turned the dining room into a roller rink. 

'Cause really, why not?!

The day after Christmas (and the weekend that we're just finishing) have been delightfully low key. We've done things, sure, but we've been taking our time and leaving plenty of room for kicking back and reconnecting after the busy holiday season. We're so grateful that Dave's holiday schedule is over and as such we've been reveling in having him all to ourselves!