Triple thanks

Dear Readers,

Hope you´re all doing fine!

Do you remember Amanda and Glenn Splashy? A few months ago, they were struggling to look after their new triplets. Luckily, Amanda’s parents came to help them.  Today, I have an update. Life is finally getting easier. Hope you enjoy it!

...................................................................

The news of the arrival of the triplets brought immense joy to their grandparents, Fiona and Phil, who travelled all their way from the other side of Sylvania to help Amanda and Glenn.

For a couple of weeks,the new parents felt incredibly lucky to have such loving support during this cahotic yet beautiful time.

When the grandparents had to return home, Amanda and Glenn felt a bit anxious about managing on their own, but they were soon to discover the true spirit of Sweet Barry Valley.

The day after Fiona and Phil left, their neighbours began to show up, one by one, offering their help.

Camila and Charles Hunter Smith brought them a wicker crib they didn´t need any more.It would be very useful to place it in the living room.

Camila and Charles could relate to Amanda and Glenn. They understood what they were going through and gave them some advice that helped them when they had their triplets.

Doctor Murdoch, made regular visits to make sure the triplets were healthy and thriving. He also  helped Amanda and Glenn plan a schedule for feeding, napping and changing times to ensure that all the three babies were cared for.

When Glenn had to go back to work , Narrisa, Amanda´s best friend, visited her everyday, whether it was bringing over meals or offering babysit so she could catch a much-needed nap.

The smell of her scrumptious paella was so comforting!.

"Go upstairs and lay down for a while. Shelly and I will take care of the babies ". 

While Narrisa did the dishes, Shelly sang lullabies and rocked the crib to get the babies to sleep.

After a short nap, Amanda enjoyed having a chat with her friend over a cup of tea and a delicious cinnamon roll. A simple pleasure in life that she really cherished.

Jane Appleblossom knew how much Amanda loved the cinnamon rolls from her bakery .Several times a week she would bring her a basket of freshly baked bread and her favourite pastries.

So did the Cottontails. Three times a week, on their way to sell their fresh produce at the farmers´ market, they would leave a basket of fresh vegetables at the front door of the house. As it was very early in the morning, they didn't knock on the door so as not to wake the triplets.

Finding bread, vegetables and even fresh milk at the doorstep is a nice gesture on the part of the neighbours. The Splashys were very grateful for all the love and help they received from their neighbours and friends.

Many villagers brought gifts for the triplets but they also had gifts for Amanda. Yardley Walnut, the beautician, brought her a nice basket of pampering items like body lotion, scented candles and bath salts.

Friday was pizza day. The Macavity's brought them home a delicious seafood pizza. 

"But we haven't ordered any pizza!" Glenn said when Mistofellees, the Macavity's oldest son, handed him a pizza box. 

"I know,It´s on the house. My parents told me that you guys don't have to make dinner on Fridays, I'll bring you a free pizza,if that's OK with you".

Glenn thought that was perfect, but he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his neighbours.".

Every day someone new would knock on the door with a smile and a helping hand.

Mary Roxy Renard,after finishing her work at Mrs. Spotter's nursery, provides baby-sitting services.

"I´d like to do my bit to help with the babies. I can look after them while you take a break or run an errand." 

"We greatly appreciate your help Mrs Renard but I´m afraid we can't afford a lot of expenses so....

"Oh, don´t you worry about that!You don't have to pay me anything!. I will do it gladly."

Eleanor Bramble, the village seamstress brought them a very thoughtful handmade gift.

She made three fish-shaped slings.

"Thanks so much, Eleanor! They´re lovely! That´s so kind of you! 

A useful gift for the triplets and also for their parents, who could now have their hands free and carry their babies around with them.

Amanda and Glenn were overwhelmed with gratitude.

Star, Nemo and Shelly loved Mrs Bramble gift. They were calm and happy when they were carried.

Amanda and Glenn were once again able to enjoy walks along the river, one of their favourite spots in Sweet Berry Valley.

The truth is that the triplets enjoyed being outdoors. 

Many neighbours offered to take them for a ride in their stroller so that Amanda and Glenn could rest for a while. 

Nancy Waters was one of them. She loved to take the triplets for a ride. She wished she had a baby of her own to look after.

Once a week Mildred Mulberry made them one of her delicious pie recipes. On her last visit, her son Edward, the village toymaker, accompanied her to bring a baby gym he had made out of wood.

The triplets seem to have liked their new gift.

Glenn and Amanda will be forever grateful to Mrs. Mulberry for giving Amanda a lift to the hospital on her motorbike and sidecar when Glenn went out to get help after the flat tyre incident.

One evening as the sun was setting and the triplets were fast asleep, Amanda and Glenn sat comfortably on their couch. They had a conversation about how much they had to thank their neighbours for and how lucky they and their children were to be part of such a supportive village.

Glenn said:"We need to find a way to show our gratitude. A simple thank you doesn´t seem to be enough".

"Absolutely! What about a thank-you party?It would be a great way to bring everyone together and show them how much we appreciate their help". Amanda suggested.

"That´s a great idea,Mandy!" We can make some of our favourite dishes and have a barbacue.I bet everyone would love that". Glenn exclaimed.

"I´ll tell my parents about it. I´m sure they´ll be delighted to join us" Amanda said.

Both were excited about the idea of throwing a thank-you party and they set to work.

The day of the party arrived,the Splashys transformed their back yard into a festive wonderland. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and cheerful conversations. Tables were set with delicious homemade treats and drinks. The smell of grilled vegetables of the barbacue wafted through the air.

Children were running around, playing games and their giggles added to the lively atmosphere.

Everyone seemed to be having a great time!

When the party was in full swing Amanda said "Our dear neighbours" she began, her voice carrying over the crowd. "We owe you more than words can express.You´ve been our strenght, our joy and our family".

Glenn nodded, his voice steady "We´re having this celebration to show our appreciation in a special way.You´ve all shown us what it means to come together and support one another and for that we´ll always be grateful".

Amanda continued, her eyes misty "So, let´s enjoy this evening together.Thank you for being such an important part of our lives".

Amanda and Glenn raised their glasses and exclaimed at the same time "To our amazing neighbours and friends.Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. Cheers!"

The guests´s cheers were deafening. They joined in the toast and continued to enjoy the good company, the tasty food and the affection and friendship that bound them all in Sweet Berry Valley.

*******************************************************************

I wish our real world was as ideal as that of our Sylvanians.Don´t you think so?

May we all find such love and community in our lives.💖

See you soon!

Hugs!