Happy Halloween

We had a wonderful time tonight--not trick or treating, per se, but instead at an old fashioned All Hallow's Eve bonfire extravaganza! We had treat stations for all the kids to go around and fill up their small baskets and bags, caramel apples, popcorn balls, a spooky woods walk, hay rides and lots and lots of fun in the mud.



Earlier this morning we made our farmers' market trip and loaded up on lots of yummy fall veggies, all in costume. Isla is having a hard time right now and is not the most cooperative subject when it comes to anything other than completely candid photos. But! She's really cute so we forgive her.

Calum in the Leaves

Apple Picking

Leaf Stencils and Nature Journal

Inspired by the Usbourne Book of the Seasons I created a simple leaf stencil for Liam and I to practice coloring our fall leaves.



My demonstration leaf is on the left and his first attempt is on the right. I think his interpretation is much more true to the spirit of the season!



We placed these in his nature journal--a simple sketchbook we've been working on, adding any inspiration or fun nature-inspired activities as the mood strikes us.



These are leaf prints we made from collected leaves last week.

The Last

The last little bits of the garden have been harvested and the beds are being readied for winter.



I believe that this time of year is a time of reflection, of moving indoors, of slowing down and waiting and watching.



Calum agrees.

A Wonderful Giveaway

I've become enamored with Garden Mama's gorgeous blog and inspiring photos. Right now, she's hosting a giveaway for some really wonderful hand knits here.

Good luck everyone!

Quotable Sunday (a day early)

"The American president just won the Nobel Peace Prize. By any reasonable measure, all Americans should be proud."

-Rachel Maddow

Nature Walk

As a family, we're trying to be outdoors as much as possible before it becomes too cold to really enjoy it. A nature walk was the perfect excuse to get outside! 

Pumpkins and Apples

On Thursday, we took advantage of Ryan's vacation to visit a close pumpkin farm and apple house.

Needless to say, trying to get pictures of three wiggly children at once, in front of a festive stack of pumpkins was not happening. At least I got a picture of each of them individually!

This Girl

She loves butterflies. Loves. Adores. And when her grandmother found the perfect butterfly jacket? Needless to say she was smitten. 

Her new boots for the impending weather are also adored. I love the little things that mark the change of seasons in Kentucky. Flashes of red and gold amidst the green background. A new jacket and new boots that can be put to use immediately. The cool, crisp air that smells just barely of a fire burning brightly somewhere. I think this girl will be just as enamored with Fall as her mother--even if only for the great wardrobe it provides. 

Yesterday

My youngest boy was one month old. One month! I'm in awe.