It's a Wonderful life

Christmas Tree Pancakes

I'm posting another chapter to get the story going. Can I get five comments and votes before I wake up?

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"Come on Mommy," Kenzie pulled on Ariana's red pajama pants. "Kenzie's hungry."

"Well, lets get a move on then, I don't want my girls hungry," Ariana took both of their little hands in her own and headed downstairs. As they made their way to the first floor, Ariana was somewhat confused when she saw two huge Christmas trees, one in the foyer and one in a formal living room, both only decorated with white and silver ornaments.

"Come on Mommy," Caitlin looked up to her mother. "Can I get the eggs?"

"As long as you're careful," Ariana smiled sweetly at her little girl as both of her girls dragged her into the kitchen; she would have to figure out the tree business later. Nice kitchen, Ariana thought as she looked around the very big room; she loved the stainless steel appliances, the white cabinets, long island and the cozy breakfast nook. Clearly she must have had a say so in the design, it just screamed Ariana. "Ok girls, lets get started." Ariana bit her lip, she had no idea where anything was, hopefully the girls would be a big help. Surely they would be confused by their mother if she didn't know where anything was; so an excuse was definitely in order. "Kenzie, Caitlin, because of my big tummy, I need you two to help Mommy out, be my big helpers."

"Ok Mommy, we'll help you," Caitlin smiled. "I'm a really good helper." Her mother couldn't help but notice that Caitlin had a very light Australian accent like her father whereas Kenzie didn't - but Kenzie was only two so only time would tell.

"I know you are," Ariana ran a hand through her daughter's beautiful brown curls just like her mother used to do to her. "Let's get all of our ingredients first, ok?"

"Ok," Caitlin responded and Ariana watched her open a door next to the refrigerator and head into a very large pantry. Great, they had a pantry, Ariana followed Caitlin inside. "Here's the mix Mommy," Caitlin handed her a box.

"Thanks sweetie," Ariana responded, grateful that Caitlin seemed to know her way around the kitchen. She wasn't kidding when she said she was really good helper. When she was her age, she couldn't do anything by herself.

"I'll get the eggs," Caitlin volunteered as they headed out of the pantry.

"Mommy me get a bowl," Kenzie exclaimed, again tugging on Ariana's pants.

"That would be great!" Ariana exclaimed as Kenzie toddled over to a low cabinet.

After everything was gathered up, the girls were such a big help; besides the actual cooking Ariana barely had to lift a finger except to get milk and plates since they were so high up. Caitlin seemed to know where everything in the kitchen was. Caitlin, also, helped through out the whole process, Kenzie only wanted to stir, which Ariana had to admit that she did a fantastic job at. Clearly they had done this before and thought maybe Ariana happy; her daughters seemed to be as smitten with her as she was with them.

"Mmm smells good in here," Jai smiled as he walked into the kitchen, fresh from his shower, and clad in a gray wool sweater and jeans. He looked good; Ariana couldn't help but smile from her seat at the table.

"Daddy we make pancakes!" Kenzie said before she took a bite, her face was already covered in syrup.

"I can see that munchkin," Jai chuckled. "Are they yummy?" Jai walked closer to his youngest who nodded. "Good," he snatched a little piece off her plate and devoured it.

"Daddy!" Kenzie screamed. "My pancakes! Give back now!"

"It was only a little piece Kenz," Jai replied as he sat down in between the two girls, Ariana was on the opposite side of him.