Traditions are such a lovely thing. Most families have some sort of traditions. Keilee and I have many.
One of our favorite traditions are Tea Parties. We have had them since she was a very little girl. They have changed over the years; but still they exist. I think she was about 8 when she got a Tea Set that she painted herself. Her little hands painstakingly painted each piece. The flowers are wearing off now but I would not take any amount of money for it.
When she was about 9 she started sending invitations. We have names. I am Mrs. Sassafras and she is Mrs. Chamomile. We are older ladies who discuss our grandchildren and our Bridge Club. We talk about recipes and the state of the world. We decide before hand if we are Southern or British.
Keilee makes delicious tea and plates of goodies that changes from time to time. Always perfect food for a tea. Over the years the food has gotten more elaborate.
We haven’t had a tea party in 2 years. But Monday night I received a wonderful invitation to tea for Tuesday.
I got my best dress and white gloves and pearls. [I couldn’t find my hat and I hoped she would forgive me. She’s a stickler for manners!] I met her in the garden at the appointed time.
And we had a lovely tea with conversation punctuated with fits of laughter and giggles. And tea with our pinkies out and finger food and napkins. The grandchildren and Bridge Club are all fine. And she still won’t give me her world famous tea cake recipe.
I so believe that these things like Tea Parties are still fun for my 14 year old daughter because she has been brought up to find joy in everything. She has no one to tell her she is ‘too old’ for Tea Parties. Just another way Homeschooling Rocks! And sometimes it isn’t about Math lessons completed, but memories made.
We don’t have a large family who take vacations together and get together once a week or even once a month. It’s one of the things I miss so much for Keilee. But we have each other and that’s enough for us both.
Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen
The cup of tea on arrival at a country house is a thing which, as a rule, I particularly enjoy. I like the crackling logs, the shaded lights, the scent of buttered toast, the general atmosphere of leisured coziness. ~P.G. Wodehouse
Where there’s tea there’s hope. ~Arthur Wing Pinero
Happily linking with
Mary at “Collage Friday”
Sylvia at “Friendship Friday”
I still think tea parties are fun!
I have always admired what you and Keilee have–the closeness you share is very rare and unique and special!
You two are lovely and you have such a great relationship! I think your tea parties are so much more important than math! Don’t ever stop!
Oh my word! This is one of my favourite posts of yours ever! You both look absolutely beautiful (I especially love your dress and gloves) and I LOVE the characters and the invitations. You two bring so much joy into the world.
I love the tea party. It sounds splendid. What a fun tradition. I might have to send my children invitations for a tea party. They love the tea cakes we buy at the store.
These photos make me smile. You are such beautiful Southern belles who obviously love each other’s company.
Such wonderful memories. You are so lucky to have each other. I like that you decide whether you are British or Southern
Such a lovely afternoon for a tea party too! You two have such wonderful times together. It makes me happy to see pictures like these.
I know I already told you how much I love this, but I can’t help it! This is such a wonderful tradition and memory that you two will have forever. I am so thankful that the littles are here to keep Abby and Molly busy with tea parties and playing house and all the things I dread seeing them outgrow. Love seeing the pics from the past too:)
How I wish we lived near to each other. You could come to all our family gatherings and share our rather large family (Gary’s one of 6 and they are all pretty fertile!). You both looked utterly beautiful. I can feel a little tea party coming on over here too….inspired by you!
What special times! It’s something that Keilee (and you) will remember when she has her own children!
Your last few lines reminded me of Kim’s comment on Traci’s recent IG post. It is not about what you don’t have. Life is about what you do have and what you have is so wonderful. This is a beautiful post. These are memories to treasure.
You guys are such a treasure. I wish I knew you all in real life. I love the tea party. What a sweet occasion.
Blessings, Dawn
What a wonderful post! And you two are gorgeous. 🙂
There is nothing more beautiful than this. I love you girls.