The Queens Of Cookies: Fresh Off The Pans

This book is by my sister Ally and I- Enjoy!

## Chapter One - Leilani

“*Up*! Wake *up*!” says Nina, my 4-year-old stepsister. “Leilani! *Up*!” She squeals again.

“No,” I groan.

“You’re mean,” Nina says, and from under my covers, I can hear her stamp her foot on the floor.

“I am not mean,” I say, annoyed, “and shhh!”

“Why are you snapping?” Nina whines.

“Ugh! Why do you have to be so obnoxious, Nina?!” I snap. “Now *go* away.”

“No,” Nina says stubbornly and plops on my bed, crossing her arms.

”Nina, this is my room,” I say, trying to reason with her.

“But I wanna go watch Sofia the First!” Nina complains.

“Nina,” I say, trying to sound like my step-mom Lola always does when she wants Nina to listen. “If I put Sofia on for you, you have to let me sleep. Understand?”

“Yes,” Nina says and nods her head vigorously.

I walk into the playroom and put Sofia the First on the TV for Nina. She sits on the leather couch with her pouch of Cheerios and starts crunching on them. Then I hear the stomping of my twin brother Tony.

“How am I going to get back to sleep now?” I murmur.

When Tony gets downstairs, I take a good look at him. His wavy, dirty blonde hair is mussed up from tossing in his sleep and his faded freckles are scattered across his face. He’s wearing his red and black soccer jersey (he’s number 14), and loose black and red checkered sweatpants. Even though I and Tony are twins and we don’t look the same, our personalities are alike. Unlike Tony, I have brown hair and dark freckles covering my face. Tony and I both love sports. Tony plays soccer, basketball, football, and gymnastics and I do gymnastics, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and dance.

The reason I know that I can’t possibly go back to sleep is that once Tony is downstairs on Saturday mornings, He starts watching football in his room. Our house is big with plenty of room for my dad, my step-mom Lola, Nina, Karly, Mack, Isla, Tony, and I to all have our own bedrooms, but Tony’s is next to mine, and the sound of his TV carries through the walls to my room. When I was really little, only three or four, my parents divorced. My mom married Nicholas a year later. Nicholas is single and doesn’t have any kids. I like it when I get to see him every other weekend with Tony and Isla because he always helps me with new gymnastics tricks and other sports. We also always watch football early in the morning and he makes chocolate chip waffles that are so fluffy, it's like eating a cloud.

Isla is more interested in things like science and coding. Isla is 19 years old and looks more like me than Tony. She has the same dark hair and freckles but her hair is tipped with dark blue and, unlike me, always wears black clothes and beanies. Last year though, my dad married a woman who had three kids. Her name was Lola. Lola and I like to bake, cook, and do yoga together a lot and it’s nice to have both of my step-parents be people who are nice and I enjoy company with. Lola is really sweet and loves cooking and baking. Lola is French so she is always surprising my family with new dishes and desserts like macarons. Lola has three kids.

First, there is Mack who has dark brown hair and blue eyes (Lola says he looks like her brother). He loves all things math and science so he and Isla get along well. Mack is 14 and is only two years older than me. Lola’s middle child is named Karly. Karly looks a lot like her mom with her long blonde hair and green eyes. Although, Karly has bangs, freckles, and bright pink glasses. Karly is shy but, once you get to know her, she will talk your ear off. Lola’s last kid is Nina. Nina is only 4 with green eyes and short blonde hair just like her mom. I sometimes even call her mini-Lola. Nina is super sweet and energetic and can be a little pushy. Most of the time, we live with Dad and Lola, and I don’t mind.

Tony and I both head to the kitchen. I grab an energy bar and Tony grabs a bag of trail mix. We climb up the stairs and Tony switches on the TV. He plops on his bed and I snuggle up next to him. We quietly watch sports for about half an hour until I hear the griddle sizzling and smell French toast being made. Me and Tony glance at each other and then both race down the stairs to be the first one to get a piece. Lola is at the stovetop with her long blonde hair tied back and she is in sweatpants and a tee shirt. She looks up from the griddle and smiles a little tiredly.

“Hey, Leilani,” she says.

“Hi, Lola.” I smile and sit down at the table.

I begin to chow down my two pieces of french toast laid out with syrup. Tony clambers down the stairs and smiles at Lola before sitting down grabbing two extra pieces of french toast and begins to snarf them down as well. In about five minutes I have eaten three pieces of french toast and Tony and I are getting up to get dressed when Karly slinks into the room with Mack and Nina and the three of them begin to eat. I want to sleep more but I know that is out of the question. It’s Sunday which means it is going to be a long day. Sunday is the day where everyone pitches in to clean up. It’s not that our house gets super messy by the end of the week because Lola tidies up each day but there is always sports stuff around by the end of the week as well as messy bedrooms, laundry, and dusting to be done.

I go upstairs and head into my closet to pick out what to wear. I decide on an old Lake Winnipesaukee sweater, a white tank top, and grey shorts. I tie my hair up into a ponytail and head back downstairs. By now it is 8:30 a.m. and everyone is up and ready for the big house cleanup.

“Okay, Troops,” says my dad, “Let’s head out.”

All seven of us head to different rooms in groups. We always start on the first floor so I head to the big playroom down the hall. Karly, Nina, Tony, and I are all working together since the playroom is always strewn with toys, model race tracks, game controllers, and stinky socks and shoes since the mudroom is right next to the playroom.

“All right,” I say, taking charge, “ Tony, you’re on sock and shoe duty.”

Tony groans. “Okay, Nina, Karly. You guys will be picking up the toys and putting them in those big grey bins like usual.”

Nina and Karly nod. I busy myself by carefully putting away model tracks and throwing pillows back onto the old leather couch. Throughout the next forty-five minutes, I clean up the playroom with the music from my favorite musical Hamilton blaring in my earbuds interrupted by the occasional gag from Tony as he finds hidden socks and dirty underwear in many different places. When we’re done, I feel satisfied with the playroom and walk through the clean house to the upstairs. I have to help Nina clean her room first.

I head into her room and see what looks to be an explosion of what seems to look like if Sofia the First barfed all of her dresses into Nina’s room. Nina and I begin to put away assorted dresses, Barbie dolls, and Sofia the First toys. By the time we are done, the room looks completely different. Her fuzzy pink carpet is free of cookie crumbs, her pink and purple bed set is nicely made, her dresses are lined up in the closet, and her toys are safely tucked away in the pink bins. I begin to walk towards the door but Nina stops me.

“*Wait*!” she says and I stop.

“What?” I say, exasperated.

“I need to set up my new glass Sofia figurines!” she exclaims looking at me like I have sprouted ten extra heads. I roll my eyes.

“Do it yourself,” I say and she frowns but doesn’t protest though her face turns tomato red as she turns and begins to play with her two exclusive Mystic Isles-themed Sofia and Amber dolls. Her Sunday cleaning work is done and she gets to play. I walk out to go clean my room.

Half an hour I head downstairs and go into the kitchen. I grab an apron and stand next to Lola. “So, what are we baking today?” I ask.

This is our tradition. We always bake a different dessert after a long day of cleaning.

“I’m not sure,” says Lola. “I  would love to make cookies but I’m not sure how I could make them unique.” An idea pops into my brain and I jump up.

“Lola, can we wait until a little later? I have something I need to tell Gabby and Chel.“ I ask.

Lola smiles and nods. I run to get my bike and quickly text Gabs and Chel. **Guys, Urgent. Come to Jamestown park ASAP.** I type. As I bike to Jamestown Park, my phone buzzes four more times and I don’t stop to look until I am there. The texts are mainly question-marks and them asking me if I’m okay. I sit and wait for a couple of minutes before I see my best friends Chelsea André and Gabriella Mitchells.

“So, what’s up?” Gabby asks.

“I got an awesome idea when I was just about to start baking with Lola,” I explain, “You know how each Sunday after cleaning the house Lola and I bake together?” I ask.

“Yeah…?” Chelsea asks.

“Well, Lola and I weren’t sure what to bake and that’s when an idea popped into my head. WE could start our own baking business! We all love baking!” I say.

“That does sound fun… where would we get money, and profits, and supplies though?” Chelsea questions. Typical Chel. Always thinking ahead.

“We can worry about that later, Chel,” I say.

“Yeah, Chel!” laughs Gabby.

“We also have to get our parents’ *or* aunt and uncles’ permission to do this,” Chelsea says.

“Thanks for including the word ‘*aunt and uncles*’ in that,” Gabby says appreciatively.

“Aww, Gabs,” I say and hug her, “we would never forget about your difference!”

Gabby’s mom and dad are in the military so her mom’s sister and husband take care of her and her siblings. Gabby is the middle child because she has an older sister named Anna and a younger sister named Penny. Anna, Gabs, and Penny all have dark brown skin and black hair. Anna normally puts hers up in a fancy bun and has three ear piercings and green eyes. Gabby has choppy bangs and likes to keep her hair up in a ponytail. She also has green eyes but has never pierced her ears. Her Aunt Kammy and Uncle Graham also have kids. There’s Neema who looks similar to Anna except she wears lots of makeup and has big gold hoop earrings. Quinn is the second oldest and he is very sporty. Haily and Nadia are both little and Nadia has long hair while Haily’s hair is super short.

Chelsea’s parents are both veterinarians and really nice. Chelsea’s mom has pale skin with lots of freckles and always looks tired. She has brown hair that she puts up in a bun and brown eyes. Chelsea’s dad has dark skin and wavy black hair. He wears grey glasses that go over his dark brown eyes. Chelsea and her siblings look like a mix of their parents. Chelsea has wavy dark brown hair and always wears these cute knitted hats she has brown eyes and tan skin. Her older brother is Kyle who is two years older than Chel and he’s 14. Kyle has thick wavy black hair and loves sports. Her two younger sisters are Alexia who is five, and Margo who is two.  Out of the three of us, I’m the sporty one, Chel is the vocal smart one, and Gabs is the fashionable crafty one.

“I think Lola should be our manager, you know?” says Gabby.

“Yeah,” I agree, “Lola is *definitely* good at baking.”

“Chel what do you think”? I ask.

“I think that’s a great idea Gabs,” agrees Chelsea.

“So, let’s all go ask our parents or guardians and then meet at my house later,” I say.

“Got it,” says Chelsea, and Gabby nods. I hop onto my bike and click on my helmet before pedaling speedily back to our house. I park my bike in the driveway and run into the kitchen where Lola is making what looks like double-fudge brownies.

“Hi, Lola!” I say and explain Chelsea, Gabby, and my idea.

“Sure, that sounds like fun for you girls!” she answers.

“Thank you!” I call out as I race upstairs and into my room.

**“Lola said yes and that she’ll be our manager,”** I text.

**“My mom and dad also said yes,”** Chelsea replies.

**“Samee!”** Gabby adds.

**“Yassss!”** I type.

**“Girlies, I gtg. There’s a sick dog that just came into the shop and ma needs my help.”** Chelsea types hurriedly.

**“Kk! Byeee!”** I type.

When I get off the group chat, a worrying thought pops into my head. *What if Chel is always having to run off to go help her mom at the shop? I just don’t know if it’s going to work out as perfectly as I thought it would. What if Chel quits because she likes helping her mom more?* I just don’t know. I push the thought out of my head and go to FaceTime Gabs.

“Hey, what’s up?” Gabby says.

“I’m worried that our business might not work out as well as I wanted it to,” I say.

“Are you talking about the baking business?” Gabs asks me.

“I kinda feel like Chelsea’s mom’s business is interfering with our business,” I say.

“Lei, you know that Chel would never let that happen,” Gabby says.

“Thanks, Gabs,” I say. I wave goodbye to her and end the FaceTime. I need to believe Gabs’ words and trust Chel.

I sigh, pull out my phone, plug in my earbuds, and listen to music from Hamilton. Soon enough, my stomach is growling and it’s 11:30. I keep listening to Hamilton while making grilled cheese. I lick the melted cheese stuck to the spatula and do a little shimmy. I start wiggling around the kitchen as ‘The Reynolds Pamphlet’ plays in my earbuds. To an outsider, a girl with her hair in a messy bun who is holding an iron spatula dancing around the kitchen shaking her butt would look really weird. When you live with my family though, that’s probably the least eventful thing you’ll see in this house. I bring my grilled cheese back upstairs so that I can eat without Nina trying to steal my sprite. I sit down at my desk, ready to relax. Then, a horn honks outside and I almost drop my grilled cheese.

“What the-?” I begin as I look out my window. I see seven cars parking on our street and with a jolt, I remember what today is. *Oh, flap.* I think to myself.

Today, all of Lola’s siblings and her parents are coming over to have our annual Alpine Party. Basically, it’s this tradition that my step-grandma created where once a year in fall, the Alpine family gets together to make their traditional Alpine Pancakes and Apple Compote. The first time I tried it, it was like eating heaven. Come to think of it, it still is. I look around outside and see that *everyone* has shown up. And I mean *everyone.* Lola had three sisters and three brothers and they *all* have kids. Chelsea and Gabs are also coming in a few minutes.

I look down and think, *Double, triple, flap.* Everyone outside looks nice in either dresses, collared shirts, or old jerseys. Instead, my hair is in a loose bun with strands falling out everywhere, I’m wearing sweatpants and an old gymnastics sweater. I throw off the sweater and look through my closet. I choose a coral-colored crop-top and put on some artfully ripped jeans. I brush my hair before running outside. I look around with crazy eyes as I watch the mass of screaming children running around the front yard. Karly is among them and she looks stressed so I glance over at Lola and mouth, *Karly.* She nods and starts walking over to crazy hyped-up kids. I turn around and almost scream. Chel and Gabby are behind me and smiling excitedly.

“Let’s go help Lola and Karly make the pancakes,” I say and drag them away from the crazy kids and into my house.

Chelsea glances warily back at the kids outside before turning to me. “So, how do you make Alpine Pancakes?” Gabby asks.

“I’m not really sure,” I say. “This’ll be *my* first time making them!”

“Oh, and, Lei-Lei,” Chel says. “Sorry about the whole dog fiasco. My mom really needed help.” I can tell she feels bad because of the apologetic tone in her voice, her facial expression, and the way she’s looking at her feet.

“Chel, if fine,” I say sympathetically and she smiles. Gabs nods reassuringly.

“Umm,” Gabs says. “I think the insane stampeding kids have reached the house.”

“Oy vey,” Chel groans, channeling her inner Mrs. Andre.

A ton of little kids come running into the house. They’re ALL screaming and Karly looks like she wants to cry. The last thing I see of her is a flash of her blonde hair as she disappears into her bedroom

## Chapter Two - Karly

When all my cousins come stampeding into the house, I quickly run into my room. Once I’m safe in my room with peace and quiet, I let out a sigh of relief. I’m super happy to be alone. A loose eyelash falls into the palm of my hand and I blow it away, making a wish. *I wish that all of the noise and bother goes away,* I think. When everything seems quiet, I step outside of my room and tiptoe downstairs. I peer out of the doorway and into the playroom. All of the kids are sitting quietly watching Toy Story. I let out a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding in. I run into the kitchen and see my mom pulling out ingredients for the Alpine Pancakes.

“Mom?” I ask.

“What is it, sweetheart?” Mom asks as she pulls out a frying pan. She seems to notice that I’m upset so she stops grabbing stuff and pulls me into the living room.

“What’s wrong, honey?” She asks me.

“Are we going to make Alpine Pancakes just the Alpines like we always do? Or, are Leilani and her friends going to join in? I want it to be like normal with only Alpines.” I say.

“Honey,” Mom says and she sounds both sympathetic and apologetic. “I know it’s a change but you’ll need to get used to it.”

“Fine,” I say. “Just… promise it’ll be fun,” I say.

Mom puts her hands on my shoulders and crouches on her knees. “I *promise*,” Mom says before she pushes up my pink glasses.

But, I’m not sure that’s a promise that Mom can keep. Mom walks back to the kitchen and I see Leilani, Chelsea, and Gabriella giggling and walking into the kitchen. *Please, let this be fun. Let it be the Alpine way. Please,* I think. I walk back into the kitchen and see that everyone is about to start. There’s only one thing I *don’t* like. Leilani and her friends are in the kitchen. I guess I’ll have to make the pancakes with Leilani and the others.

“Hey, Mom! What can I do to help?” I ask.

“You can make the apple compote,” Mom replies.

“Okay!” I smile. I grab the wrinkled recipe card and grab the apples and a big knife, about to chop them. Mom looks over and sees me holding the knife.

“Lonnie,” she says quickly. “Can you help Karly chop up the apples?”

“Mom, I can do it on my own!” I protest.

“I’m sorry honey, but you need someone to cut up the apples. It’s a big knife and I don’t want you getting hurt.” Mom says with an expression of concern.

“Fine,” I sigh.

Of *all* the people to help me, it *had* to be Leilani. Leilani Harrison. You’ve got to be *kidding* me. My mom *knew* that I wanted it to be the Alpine family. Yet, she paired me up with Leilani! I know we’re step-sisters now, but that doesn’t mean that everything’s about her. I just want things to be the normal way! I turn around and my sigh turns into a smile as I see my cousin Calvin. Calvin is eight like me and is one of my *best* friends.

“Hi, Karly!” Calvin says.

“Hi!” I squeal.

“Kar, I need to tell you something important,” Calvin says. Calvin’s nickname for me is Kar and he’s the only one besides my friends who are allowed to call me that.

“What is it?” I ask.

“You know how I normally stay over the weekend for your birthday?” Calvin asks.

“Yeah?” I ask confusedly.

“Well, I can’t stay this year,” Calvin answers.

“Why?” I ask.

“I’m so sorry. The day before your birthday is the due date for my mom to have the baby.” Calvin apologizes. My Aunt Tisha is supposed to be having a baby sometime in February. I just didn’t know it would be the day before my birthday!

“I understand, Calv. Before you say sorry again, it’s fine, okay? Your mom *needs* to be back in time to have the baby. Having the baby born safely is *way* more important than my birthday.” I say.

Calvin and I talk a little more about school before I turn and see Leilani joking around with Gabriella and Chelsea. Calvin gets distracted and runs over to Leilani to say hello. Really? Even Calvin wants to see Leilani more than me! I feel so upset and frustrated that I decide to sit out the rest and I run to my room. Nothing is going right! This night was supposed to be *fun*! This is supposed to be for original Alpines. *Not* Harrisons. I cry into my pillow on my bed. Then, I hear footsteps and I hide under my blanket. I see Calvin and Leilani poking into my room. Calvin’s eyes are red and Leilani looks frazzled.

“No Karly here,” Leilani sighs. “We’ll just have to look in the next room. I’m *sure* Karly will be in there. Don’t worry Calvin, we’ll find her.

I feel terrible because Calvin and Leilani were so worried about me. Calvin was even crying! I was a terrible cousin, step-sister, and friend. I’m horrible. I come out from underneath my blankets and look around.

“Calvin, go back to the kitchen. I’ll be there in a sec.” I hear Leilani say.

I hear the door creak a little as Leilani enters the room. It’s too late to hide now. “What’s going on, Karly?” Leilani asks.

“I wanted things back to how they used to be.” I cry. “I wanted just the Alpine family to make Alpine Pancakes. But now, I feel horrible because you and Calvin were looking for me and Calvin was so upset. I’m a horrible step-sister and cousin!”

“Karly! Don't say that! You’re my sweet, adorkable little step-sister and I love you! Never say that about yourself *again*!” Leilani says.

“I promise Leilani,” I say. When I step out of my bedroom and see Calvin bolting towards me. He hugs me excitedly.

“Hey, Calvin!” I say. “Sorry for hiding,”

“It’s okay. Don’t ever scare me like that again,” Calvin says.

“Okay,” I laugh. We go back into the kitchen and everything feels okay. I sigh with relief. Calvin and I chat as we finish the apple compote.

“So, what are you naming the baby?” I ask Calvin.

The baby is supposed to be a girl. “Mom and Dad are thinking about Sophia, Aria, Amelia, or Riley.” Calvin answers.

“Nice! I think Sophia’s my favorite,” I reply.

“I wish I could be there for your birthday. Seriously,” Calvin says.

“Cheer up! It’s okay,” I say. Calvin smiles.

“What are you planning on doing on your birthday?” Calvin asks.

“I’m having a party with some of my friends and I already know what I want for breakfast-in-bed,” I say. “Guess what it is.”

“Alpine pancakes?” Calvin guesses.

“Yup! I’m super excited!” I reply.

“You’re turning nine, right?” Calvin asks.

“Yup!” I answer.

“Wow. You’re getting old.” Calvin says.

“Hey!” I say. “I’m not that old! Not like Gramma Margie!” I say and we both snort.

“Yeah. Gramma Margie has a buncha wrinkles and smells like a baby butt.” Calvin hisses into my ear. We both crack up laughing.

“Everyone! Batch one of the pancakes are finished!” Mom calls to Calvin and I.

“Thanks, Mom!” I call back.

I can smell the first batch of alpine pancakes on the counter. As soon as my mom rings the dinner bell, and everyone runs back into the kitchen. I quickly hide in the corner, afraid that I’ll stepped on. Then, I scream as someone grabs my shoulders. I jump around and see Lonnie. She puts me on her shoulders and runs me into the dining room.

“That was actually kinda fun!” I tell Lonnie.

“I’m glad it was,” Leilani laughs.

“Guys!” I call out. “Alpine pancakes are ready! Fresh and hot!”

Everyone sits down to eat, complimenting the pancakes and my apple compote. While everyone was eating, everyone was happy. Eerie single person. No negative energy, no sadness; not one bit. All of the energy was happiness.

I pull Lonnie in for a hug and whisper in her ear, “Lonnie, I love. Because you’re my sister and my family.”

Later, I say goodbye to Calvin, Auntie Trisha, and Uncle Sandy. That night, I fall asleep happily because I’m not sad anymore about the old normal. I’m happy about the new normal. And that new normal is called the happy normal.

## Chapter Three - Calvin

The day before yesterday was a great day. One of the reasons it was a great day was because I got to see my cousin Karly and finally meet my step-cousins; Leilani, Isla, and Tony Harrison. Let me introduce myself. I’m Calvin Edson and I’m eight years old. One of my best friends is Karly Alpine-Harrison and she’s the best. Anyway, it was exciting to meet my new step-cousins. I’d never met them before then because Mr. Harrison had only married Auntie Lola just last year. The worst part of the day was when I had to lie to Karly. I had told her that we couldn’t make it to her birthday party because my mom’s baby was due yesterday. That was *not* the truth.

I lied because my mom, dad, and I are going to surprise Karly by coming to her party! In reality, the baby is being born sometime in March. We leave our hotel room and go to the car. We’re staying at a hotel for the next two days since we’re surprising Kar. We pull into Kar’s driveway and the whole outside looks festive. I knock on the door.

I can hear Karly saying, “Mom, Dad! I think there’s a surprise relative visiting!” When she opens the door, she takes one look at me before hugging me happily.

“Calv! I didn’t know you’d be here?!” This is awesome!” Karly says.

“Yeah! My mom’s baby isn’t due until March.” I say.

“Well, I’m glad you pretend because you’re here now!” Karly squeals.

I walk into the house and Karly says, “Calv, I’d like you to meet my friends. Cecelia, Amal, Avery, Alexis, and Niema.”

Cecelia has wavy brown hair, white skin, and green eyes. Amal has black skin, brown eyes, and black hair. Avery looks Asian and she had black hair. Alexis has blonde hair and hazel eyes. And Niema has blue eyes, black skin, and black hair.

“Hi!” I say.

“Nice to meet you!” says Amal.

“We’ve heard a lot about you from Karly,” Cecelia smiles.

“So… what’re you guys doing?” I ask.

“Well, right now, we’re just running around tossing balloons in the air and trying to keep them off of the floor. You know, because we’re weird like that.” Karly laughs sarcastically.

We all laugh and smile. I don’t even know why we’re laughing which only makes me laugh harder. Then, I start snorting like a pig. We all begin laughing some more until we’re all snorting.

“Okay, you little piggies. Pinata time!” Aunt Lola says as she enters the room.

We all run over to the pinata. The pinata is a book because the whole theme of the party is books. The reasoning with that one is because Kar is a total bookworm. I’m not a total bookworm but I’m a bit of one. There’s this one book series that I really like. It’s called “The Land of Stories'' by my favorite author, Chris Colfer. When Aunt Lola gives out gift bags next, I’m super excited because inside, there is the first LoS book; The Wishing Spell. The best part is, when I look inside, I see that it’s signed by Chris Colfer himself.

“Kar!” I exclaim. “How’d you get this signed!??”

“Well, Lonnie’s also obsessed with the Land of Stories series, so when she went to the book signing last month, she got multiple books signed so that I could give them out as goodies!” Karly answers.

“That’s super nice of Leilani!” I say.

“I know, right??” Cecelia gushes. We did more activities like book shopping, designing our own book nooks, and of course, cake. It was super fun so I was sad when I had to leave. Kar’s party was a blast but I have to go home to Chicago and I’ll miss Kar.