Have you ever?

Been in a moment that was photo worthy and didn't have your camera? Better yet, maybe a set of paints to paint a picture inspired by the moment you remember? Driving home from Sophia's preschool field trip Thursday I had one of those moments: a moment so amazingly beautiful it made me choke up with emotion. I was driving down a typical country farm road on our way back from Triadelphia Farm, and in one breathless moment I was on a road lined with the most AMAZING trees: golds, reds, browns, oranges, dappled in light, with golden leaves falling down down DOWN on the road in abundant showers. I didn't have a way to capture it, but it was lovely.

Instead, I have a few funny photos from the pumpkin patch of Sophia and her friends. It was silly crazy preschool fun. Sophia avoids the camera like crazy, so here are the best photos I have.

I was so glad to have a morning with just my little Sophia. She is so daring and brave. We explored corn mazes, picked popcorn, rode on a hay wagon, picked pumpkins, met some farm animals, and enjoyed lunch with friends. Living here on the east coast has been quite the adventure. My first year here was rather awkward and painful, but I feel like I am embracing my life in Maryland. (Finally)

I have actually caught myself thinking that living here long term might be really nice. These gorgeous fall days have me hooked. I think I may becoming a Marylander. =)

We had a Halloween Party at our house today

It was so fun! And *CRAZY*

I didn't take a single picture. (I know Boo to me)

But, I did take these outside by a gorgeous maple when everyone had gone home.

Nostalgic Autumn

It's Fall. One of my favorite seasons of the year. It's the time of year when the weather cools, the days get dark earlier, the wind picks up, colors change. It seems that fall this year has come on quickly, there have been fewer 'indian summer' days, an almost immediate weather shift. Ellie is wearing sweaters and leggings versus sundresses to school, I am turning my heat on at night before I crawl into bed and craving a cup of tea and a cookie. I am anxious to hit the pumpkin patch and hunt for perfect pumpkins with my kids. Fall also means the birth of my first born, my Ellie, my sweet little girl. Her birthday is next month, and I can't wait to plan a fun party for her. Today was an exceptionally lovely day. It was bright and sunny, yet the temperature was cool with breezes. I think it was perfect weather. I wanted to just sit outside with a good book and SOAK it in. I didn't get to do that, but I did get to spend it with my two girls, running around enjoying their friends' birthday parties. I love this time of year. Here is a picture of Sophia and Gradon. She ADORES being a big sister. They are pretty cute together.

Outing to the park

A couple of weeks ago Sophia and I spent a lovely day together at the park. Initially, I had planned only to run out quickly to the store, grab what I needed to, and get the baby back for his nap. We headed out and ran our errands, and the baby fell asleep in the car. Sophia was hungry, so I grabbed her a happy meal and we headed to one of my favorite parks. Sophia sat and ate, the baby slept and I enjoyed the wonderful pre fall weather. After she finished eating Sophia wanted to take a walk around Lake Elkhorn, so we walked, and walked and walked. She was curious about the different trees and shrubs we saw, and asked me to read from the different signs that explained what was growing in the park: black walnut, tulip trees, oak trees, apple trees and more. On our way back from our walk we saw a huge flock of ducks. We talked ducks and what they do, how they look and what they eat. I asked Sophia why she thought there were so many ducks on the bank of the lake, and she answered: "Maybe they are having a festival." Indeed.

After our long walk she wanted to play on the playground equipment. We spent another hour playing and swinging until the baby finally woke up. It was an unexpectedly lovely afternoon. Two hours of quiet, relaxed time to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Recently

Ellie has been making signs:

And writing 'books' and creating all kinds of written and illustrated projects. She has made a couple of fairy tale collections that include pictures and words with stories such as: Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty as well as others. She has also come up with a few stories on her own: "The Beautiful Fairies", The Flying Pegasus", "The Two Beautiful Unicorns" and other creations. Most book titles include the word "beautiful". I think my favorite is her little book entitled "The Dancing Ladybugs". So cute.

8 weeks old

And SUCH a doll. Love this boy.

Off to Preschool

Sophia started preschool today! She has been excited to start preschool ever since we registered Ellie for Kindergarten back in March. Why? Well of course she wanted to go to school too! Every time we drive by the elementary school followed by Sophia's preschool Sophia would ask, when do I go to my school mama? Every time.

This morning was a lot of fun. Ellie headed off to school on her bus, and Sophia and I prepped for her big day: yummy breakfast, bath, finger and toe nail painting, and picking out just the right outfit and shoes. (I asked her if she wanted to wear the same outfit Ellie wore to her first day of preschool and she said yes!)

It is going to be nice to have a little over two hours two days a week to myself this year. Of course I still have Gradon to take care of, but I think preschool is going to be great for all of us.