Far too long...Halloween fun

These little gnomes romped around the garden for Halloween this year in handmade outfits from their Nanny.  They were delighted to spread their garden cheer from door to door this year.

Their special dog helper was around to scare all the wild animals away.

her special day

Standing outside our sweet little church where I made my First Communion, she beamed to be wearing white with a new silver cross around her neck and taking a new seat at His table.  

We are ever-so-delighted to watch her grow in faith.  A most special day it was celebrated with her cousin and sweet comrade from church.

splendid autumn evening in the pumpkin patch

The old church pumpkin patch never fails to spread lots of fall spirit into our October.  Rows of pumpkins adorn the beautiful fenced front lawn of this beautiful old brick church in town.  

Each year, I enjoy this place a little more than the last.  Perhaps it is because I have years of memories to draw upon as we walk up into the rod iron gates of the churchyard.

Watching them do more of the picking this year was delightful as they measured and weighed all the options.

This one decided that getting a pumpkin about the size of her head would be a good idea. 

gone is the crib

 It was time.  We waited as long as we could but when she began to work on uncoordinated dismounts out of the crib, we decided it was definitely time to move her to the "big bed."

She was delighted beyond belief when we surprised her one evening.  The crib was dismantled, rails were carefully wedged underneath the twin-sized mattress and fresh bedding was pulled tight to create an appealing appearance on the new bed.  

She loves step up into her big bed with a little stool at the end and of course all the baby dolls are enjoying the cozy new bed as well.  Unfortunately, the sleeping has been rough since the big bed transition.  I think she gets overly excited and has a hard time settling down to sleep.  In the middle of the night she wakes screaming because of bad dreams and new shadows.  

Oh the joys of sleep.  I hope this little one can settle into her new surroundings soon so that we can all enjoy the benefits of a good night's sleep.

It's here!

With the coming of October, it officially begins! Autumn is here in all its glory (even if it still hits 90 degrees most days)!

Pumpkins begin resting on doorsteps, mums adorn front porches and the delightful pumpkin spice latte makes its first appearance. Yes, we love this season and are itching to take part in all the changes ahead.  Happy October to you!

ballet. round 2

There she stood all dressed in the much-anticipated ballet accouterments that she longed to wear.

With a point of her toe, a twirl of her body on a single foot and arms open wide, she was a ballerina.

Her turn had finally come and a little ballerina dance on her bed was definitely called for.

We are delighted to see where her little pointed toes take her this year!

her first day

Her first day of her second preschool year finally came 3 weeks after her sister's first day.

She asked and asked when she would go.  With the third, I am always amazed at how eager she is to do just what her sisters do.  She acts without hesitancy and yearns to fervently keep up.

Although her first day of school came a week later than expected, she sailed along without a hiccup on her first day.  She marched in with her reusable tote (requested instead of a backpack this year), found her cubby and her friends and seemed utterly delighted to tinker with the little toys and Play Doh at the exploration table.  As I left her, I bent down to give her a final kiss and reassurance that I would return, only to find her completely absorbed with the manipulatives on the table.  Needless to say, she was delighted to be at school again.  Even though I was a bit sad that she didn't even care to say goodbye, I was incredibly happy that she was so happy.

A wonderful year awaits!