happy halloween

spots, stripes and a good dose of wild

made for a happy halloween for our little zoo animals! 

and because it's always good to pause time and remember when...

here's a side-by-side of when e&b were j's size.

oh my goodness, right?

oh and yes, my costume this year was inspired by one year old ella's.

so, who wore it best?

 cluck, cluck...hope you had a happy halloween!

thankful tuesday, 10/29

• this little one who is now 11 months old...11 months!
• fall sun
• a weekend on the vineyard with sweet friends
• a hubby who knew i needed that
• our new babysitter
• cheering for the red sox
• big papi
• christmas on the brain
• avett brother's on pandora
• the lord's hand in my life
• confidence when i really need it
• big brother & sister pulling baby sister in the wagon
• hard working & extra caring teachers
• halloween anticipation
• how bennett keeps track of our days
• ella singing songs from school to bennett
• kit kat sharing

pumpkins & scarecrows

when we moved to this house earlier this year,

i started to imagine the fall party we should have.

in fact before we had even unpacked all our boxes we were 

tilling the field in the back for our very own pumpkin patch.

the barn & backyard just seemed to be meant for a fall pumpkin fest!

sadly the beetles and our very fat resident groundhog

got to every last one of our pumpkins...every last one! 

(those rascals better watch out next year) 

seriously.

 but a pumpkin party we would have.

 make that a pumpkin and scarecrow party.

and a pumpkin and scarecrow party we a had!

so fun!
a day full of...

 

dear friends & family

columbus day weekend

hot dogs & baked beans buffet

pumpkin's from tangerini's

country music playing in the barn

apple cider & pumpkin beer...

basketball games in the driveway

carving tools & scarecrow fashion

campfire & s'mores

kids in the barn loft

tire swing swinging 

gator & wagon rides

apple munching...

happy jack o'lanterns 

happy scarecrows

happy memories 

happy family who can't wait until next year!

little reader

our curious little four year old has taught himself to read.
all by himself. 
almost by accident.

 don't get me wrong, our bookshelves and library bag are chocked full of reading treasures.
books are a big deal in our home.
but it wasn't like we were trying to teach him to read.

 simply overhearing dining room table homework sessions and spelling test
 prep on the chalk board for big sister has given this boy of ours some serious
sound it out skillzz!

it seems like just yesterday, 

he was sleeping with thomas trains under your pillow 

and now it's his box of bob early reader books.

way to go buddy, we are so proud of you.
you amaze me - your love for learning inspires me - your determination motivates me.
happy reading bennett boy, happy reading!