Some weekends are made for slowing down. Others seem to fill every available minute—and this was definitely one of those weekends.
Between errands, household chores, time in the garden, and Sunday’s rainy weather, we had plenty to keep us moving. Through all of it, Maeve was eager to pitch in. Whether she was helping us shop, prepare food, or tackle another job around the house, she reminded us that everyday responsibilities can become some of the best opportunities to spend time together.
Our Little Weekend Helper
Maeve took her role as the family helper seriously this weekend. She joined us for errands, helped choose produce at the grocery store, and even assisted at the checkout. Her enthusiasm turned a routine shopping trip into another chance to learn how a family works together.
Back at home, the helping continued. Maeve harvested vegetables from the garden, prepared green beans, helped clean out the car, cared for our very patient four-legged family member, and joined us in making homemade pizza.
None of these were extraordinary activities on their own. They were simply the things that needed to get done. But when a child joins in with curiosity and enthusiasm, ordinary chores feel a little more meaningful.
There may be a few extra questions, a couple of additional steps, and the occasional mess along the way. There is also pride in a job well done. Maeve loves knowing that her contribution matters, and we love watching her become more capable and confident.
That same spirit is at the heart of Mitten Mornings Coffee Company. Our business has always been about more than coffee. It is also about showing our daughter how ideas become plans, how effort creates results, and how families can build something meaningful together.
A Second Visit From the Tooth Fairy
The biggest milestone of the week arrived when Maeve lost her second front tooth. That meant a second visit from the tooth fairy in the very same week!
Losing one front tooth already made for an exciting start to kindergarten. Losing the second made the week even more memorable—and gave Maeve a brand-new smile that we cannot help but love.
Childhood seems to move especially quickly during moments like these. One day, you are wondering when that first loose tooth will finally come out. Suddenly, there are two little gaps and another reminder that your child is growing up right in front of you. Thankfully, the tooth fairy was prepared for the return trip.
Backyard Time and Small Wins
Before the rain settled in, we also found time for a little backyard play. Maeve challenged herself on the monkey bars while Mom offered just enough support to help her reach a little farther.
These small moments matter. They teach perseverance, trust, and the satisfaction that comes from trying again. They also remind us that adventure does not always require a long drive or an elaborate plan. Sometimes it is waiting just outside the back door.
Rainy-Day Games and a Grocery Run
Sunday brought steady rain, so our plans stayed simple and close to home. We played games—including a few rounds of Uno—and made another trip to the grocery store. It was not the kind of Sunday that required a detailed itinerary. It was simply a chance to be together, laugh over cards, stock the kitchen, and enjoy a slower pace after a busy week.
Rainy days have a way of encouraging that. They invite everyone to settle in, pour something warm, and appreciate the comfort of being home.
Celebrating 97 Years
The most meaningful part of Sunday came when we joined a family Zoom call to wish Maeve’s great-granny a happy 97th birthday.
Ninety-seven years is an incredible milestone, and we were grateful to celebrate it together—even from a distance. Seeing multiple generations gathered on the screen was a wonderful reminder of how important it is to make time for family and preserve those connections.
For Maeve, it was another opportunity to be part of a story much bigger than her own. For us, it was a chance to pause and appreciate the people, traditions, and memories that helped shape our family.
The Good Stuff Hidden in an Ordinary Weekend
This weekend was not built around one big outing or perfectly planned adventure. It was made up of smaller moments: vegetables from the garden, groceries in the cart, homemade pizza, a clean car, a lost tooth, a game of Uno, and a birthday celebrated across generations.
That is often where the best memories are hiding.
At Mitten Mornings, we believe mornings—and life—do not need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pour a cup of coffee, invite the kids to help, and enjoy whatever the day brings.
Here’s to capable little helpers, milestone smiles, rainy-day games, and the family moments that make ordinary weekends worth remembering.
—The Mitten Mornings Family