Danielle Stops By (Photostory)

Antoinette is tending her garden with a little help from Zahara.  

"Zahara you are putting all the water in one spot."  (Antoinette)

"I know, but it's not growing yet."  (Zahara)

Antoinette starts laughing.

"It's not going to magically appear today.  It's going to take a little time before we see the sprouts."  (Antoinette)

Nikaya is taking a break from riding her bike.  Now she is entertaining Kenaz. 

"Hellooo."  (Danielle)

"Hey neighbor.  Are you coming to help?"  (Antoinette)

"I'm not sure you want my help.  I'm not much of a gardener.  (Danielle)

"Well come keep me company.  I need a break, anyway."  (Antoinette)

Ciana and Joseph have spotted the pink car.

"Alright.  You've talked me into it."  (Danielle)

"Come on, Joseph.  Hurry."  (Ciana)

Danielle and the kids enter through the gate.

"Oooh, there's Kenaz."  (Ciana)

"Cute gardening outfit.  I really don't want you to stop on my account."  (Danielle)
"Trust me it's not a problem.  I was getting ready to take a break, anyway.  Would you care for some lemonade?"  (Antoinette)

"Sure."  (Danielle)

Antoinette returns from the kitchen with a couple of lemonades.

"So where's Julian?  Did you and Leslie swap kids today?"  (Antoinette)

"No.  He went to do 'man' stuff with his dad, and Ciana and Jacob are having a play date."  (Danielle)

"How cute."  (Antoinette)

Ciana and Jacob don't waste any time getting to the pink car.  

"So what's going on?  How was your Thanksgiving. I feel like it's been forever since we talked."

"Thanksgiving was decent.  How's your family doing?" (Danielle)

"Everyone is doing well.  I have to admit, it was nice letting other members of the family host Thanksgiving this year.  I brought a couple of pies and called it a day.  My sister handled everything else."  (Antoinette)

"That sounds like heaven.  We had a little drama with your sister-in-law.  She couldn't decide if she wanted Nicole to spend Thanksgiving with her or with us."  (Danielle)

"That's typical of Melanie.  She was always a little wishy washy around the holidays.  It always seemed like she had back-up plans."  (Antoinette)

Just then, Nikaya decides to join her mom and Danielle on the bench.

"And what can I do for you?"  (Antoinette)

"Nothing.  I just wanted to sit with you and Ms. Danielle."  (Nikaya)

"Well we are having an adult conversation."  (Antoinette)

"Does that mean I have to leave?"  (Nikaya)

"Yes."  (Antoinette)

"Can I have some of your lemonade before I leave?"  (Nikaya)

"There are juice boxes on the counter.  Go get them and give one to each of the kids."  (Antoinette)

"Ooh, okay."  (Nikaya)

Nikaya heads inside to grab the juice boxes.

Even though Zahara is fully engaged with Ciana, she takes note of Nikaya.

"Where you going, Kaya?"  (Zahara)

"Don't worry about it."  (Nikaya)

"Mommy!" (Zahara)

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."  (Antoinette)

Danielle starts laughing.

"So what are you guys doing for Christmas?"  (Danielle)

"We will be right here.  I don't like traveling during the Christmas holiday."  (Antoinette)

"I was thinking about throwing a party.  Either for Christmas or New Year's.  I haven't decided yet."  (Danielle)

"Well you better decide soon.  Christmas is just around the corner."  (Antoinette)

Danielle and Antoinette continue chatting while the kids continue to play.  Nikaya returns with the juice boxes.  Of course she pretends like she doesn't have one for Zahara, and a mini war breaks out.  That's enough for Antoinette to send them both inside to their room.  Danielle leaves shortly thereafter, and Antoinette decides she has had enough gardening for the day.  She heads off to take a nice bubble bath.