the yellow leaves stretch out like a canopy.

I love this tree.  These leaves.  This time of year.  Gorgeous.

This is my song obsession du jour:  Dog Days Are Over, Florence + the Machines

halloween fun

here we have Daddy Pirate, Mama punk-ish witch, Wizard baby, Pirate-Zombie-Gothic big sister, Pirate big brother, and bumblebee Lils.

a fun time was had by all!  i forgot to take pics of the awesome jack o lanterns.  much candy was gathered and consumed...though i also paid out $8 in candy purchasing from 3 children (80 pieces @ .10 apiece).

yesterday we celebrated a special 12th birthday for Grace, complete with homemade chocolate cake, ice cream, more candy, and a before bedtime '12 times the Sun' birthday ritual.  Lils held the earth and walked around the Sun 12 times, we told a story about Grace for each year.  hard to believe it's been that long.  what a joy Grace is. 

wednesday's view

The view from our upstairs window this morning:

As with all the seasons changes, I often feel like they have passed me by.  The changes are so subtle, yet so dramatic.  One day you look up and realize that the leaves are ALL off the trees...and you never took the time to notice while it was happening.  So this year I have consciously tried to observe the changes. 

A close relationship with the seasons changes is fascinating,  and good for the soul. 

View from last Wednesday, when this tree was at its peak.

View from just 2 Wednesdays ago, when the changes were just starting.

This to me is a reminder to just be, to go out and sit with my children in a big old pile of leaves (hopefully dry!) and breathe in and out and hear the crunching and hear them talking and laughing and imprint it on my heart forever.

the light is so golden

pictures last week and today:

cute boy--looking quite grown up since he got his first trim last week, courtesy of Rob.  We only did the bangs, hence the back is still long.  I think it's adorable.

changing leaves & self portrait

Horsey is looking out the window at the changing leaves.

Children are looking out the downstairs windows.

wearing a sparkly dress and 'tip-tap' shoes.

It feels good to wear jeans, heels, and sweaters again.