<div style="text-align: justify;">Alexia smiled again watching her family. She felt like telling each and every one of her family members how much she loved them and giving them each a big hug. Chuckling a little, Alexia shook her head. 'I'm getting really emotional, apparently', she thought to herself. Another smile came to her lips when Dad started trying to engage Alistair. She would really hope he would get more involved with the family, but tried to respect his space. Turning to David, Alexia chuckled softly. "It's big enough of a city for me, Dad", she replied. "Your fault for raising me here". She was obviously teasing. Alexia loved the life in the farm, and had naturally left it to go to school. It was just her nature that fit better with the quiet of the farm than the ways of a town, no matter how small. <br/><br/>After a brief moment of feeling a bit down, her mood picked back up again and Alexia resumed work on cutting the mushrooms. She had to admit it was a good feeling to have almost everything in their kitchen having been produced in their own land. It made her proud. That farm was definitely the center of her life and she couldn't live anywhere else. "No horse play for me, but you all can and should enjoy it", Alexia replied to Rose's suggestion. She then went on to complete with the supplies she needed. "I think cotton balls for the home pharmacy, rubbing alcohol, and some fabric for new dresses. If you find dark green wool, maybe some as well, mom. I want to make a new sweater for Thomas, he's already growing out of his current one". <br/><br/>Feeling a bit more cheerful than usual now, with the idea of working on new clothes for herself and Thomas, Alexia looked outside. Mom was right, it would be a beautiful and sunny day. And it looked like the picnic would be only herself, Conor and Thomas, and maybe Alistair, if they could convince him. Alexia knew better than to try and drag her little brother out of the house when he didn't feel like going, but she would have enjoyed the company. And she felt secretly guilty for not having been as kind and welcoming as she should have when he joined the family. Well. That was water under the bridge now, no good in dwelling in the past, Alexia reminded herself.<br/><br/>Shaking her head, she finished chopping the mushrooms and set them aside, checking to see what else was still left to do. For no reason, she commented, while walking towards Rose. "Mom. Dad. I just... thanks. You know, for raising us here, in this place. I... don't know, I just feel like I could never live anywhere but here", she stated, trying not to tear up. "I'm sorry, I have no idea what came over me. But I wanted you guys to know I appreciate everything". Giggling a little, Alexia looked around for something to do. "Oh, well. Back to work before the boys come back with the milk and we haven't made any progress".</div>