A Word from Mallory I Mallory McDonald officially love starting a new year But this year I officially love it even more than ever NOT because Mom is having her special New Year’s Eve dessert party which includes chocolate pie with mini marshmallows on top My favorite NOT because Max and I get to stay up until midnight and celebrate NOT because Dad is buying blowers and shakers and hats for everyone even my cat Cheeseburger NOT because Grandma is here for a visit And NOT even because it might snow and when it does my street Wish Pond Road will look like a winter wonderland Mom’s words not mine 6
This year I Mallory McDonald am officially more excited than ever about starting a new year because this year my friends from summer camp are coming to stay at my house for a winter reunion Carine my bunkmate from last summer at Camp Blue Lake and Taylor Mary Ann’s bunkmate are coming to Fern Falls and staying at my house for three days and two nights Mary Ann is sleeping over too and we’re going to plan all kinds of things to do Mary Ann says it is going to be fun fun fun and I say my best friend is right We haven’t seen our camp friends since last summer and we can’t wait for them to get here And the good news is that we don’t have to wait much longer They’re coming the day after tomorrow FOUR girls THREE days TWO nights If you ask me there’s not ONE thing that could get in the way of a great time
TEA fOr TWO Mallory would you like some tea asks Grandma Mom and Grandma look cozy at the table with the teapot and the basket of muffins that Grandma baked but right now I have other things on my mind besides tea Sorry I don’t have time for a tea party I tell Grandma Grandma puts a muffin on a plate and pushes it toward me I think this blueberry muffin has your name on it 8
Grandma winks at me No matter what kind of muffins Grandma makes she calls them Mallory muffins She knows I like that I pick a blueberry out of my Mallory muffin and pop it into my mouth Grandma my camp friends will be here in two days and I have to start getting ready for our reunion Anyway haven’t you ever heard the expression tea for two Mom and Grandma both laugh Then Grandma takes a sip of her tea I have heard that expression but I think a tea party can be as big or as small as you want it to be I smile at Grandma I wish I had time to make this tea for three but I really do have a reunion to plan At least finish your muffin says Grandma 9
