winter wonderland.

I have discovered that if you hang your Christmas decorations early you are far more prepared if you get an early snowfall. :)
It's actually true.  In our house that has been decorated for Christmas for a little while, the snowfall just added right to it.  And when you have a four year old in your house, it's hard not to be excited about snow!  It is beautiful and white and lights up the world - and our house. :)  Somehow I forget each year how pretty it is when snow lights up the night sky.

So snow - somehow I fall a little more in love with it each year.  Now, I fall into the category that doesn't have to drive in it everyday, and I'm officially 5 years removed from the drive to work in it mode.  From our cozy house it is always pretty and white and looks freshly fallen.  And I truthfully love an excuse for a little hibernation.  Snuggled with my family, a blanket, cat on my lap and a cup of hot cocoa in my cozy warm clothes is welcomed each year.  I just like the transition and new things each season brings.

Today Quinn dove right into the snow!

Every time I see of picture of her lately, I just let out a big sigh in disbelief that she is this big.
Wasn't she just this little snow baby?

Andie will be wearing that snowsuit this winter.
Why does time go so quickly?!

Well that little girl just brought home a stellar progress report from school.  More important than all the plus marks was that "Quinn is a good friend to all."  Our hearts are so happy.
Quinn is an amazing little girl.  We love watching her grow and this year in dance she is really blossoming - it's amazing to see.  She is pretty excited about her upcoming dance recital!  She has also officially passed mommy in our sign language learning.

November has not been a good blogging month - but I intend to get a Fall Video post and Andie post up soon.  Now that I think we can consider Fall to be over, and Andie is a big walking everywhere 17 months now!

If it doesn't happen before Thursday - HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone!
We are so very grateful for all the love in our lives - from all of you.

halloween 2015.

We had a wonderful couple weeks full of Halloween festivities.  And I must admit the girls costume combo this year is a favorite for sure. :)

The Big Bad Wolf chasing little Red Riding Hood - OR just trying to take her furry hat off ;).

Our town has a fall Pumpkin Festival - and it's a big deal around here - we all love it!  The kids even get a day off of school for it. :)  It's classic small town cuteness.  The fact that we chose a town that has a fall festival as opposed to a hot summer festival is absolute perfection.

Each year everyone decorates pumpkins that fill the courthouse lawn for a contest.  This year Quinn chose PJ Masks (a new Disney show) - which meant 3 pumpkins!  Here she is with her 3 pumpkins.  (the ones in front of her - not the ones behind her :))

So one of the cons to some of the time surrounding Halloween was that Todd hurt is back.  Fortunately he is on the mend and doing much better, and thankfully it was kind of between festivities.  In between taking care of Daddy, Quinn and I would sneak away each day during Andie's long afternoon nap for Pumpkinfest festivities - craft shows, carnivals, parade, pumpkins...etc.

One of the benefits of Pumpkinfest is that by the time Halloween gets here the pressure is off, not great weather - no big deal- the girls have already been trick or treating downtown and worn their costumes on several occasions.  And that seems to be how it works most years - beautiful weather for pumpkinfest, chilly and rainy for Halloween.  Fortunately Halloween night wasn't too bad this year so we did go trick or treating with the girls and they loved it!

 I mean...so stinkin cute!

Costume info:  Quinn's awesome little red riding hood attire is off of Amazon, and Andie's little Wolf is from Pottery Barn.

 That is Quinn acting scared of the Big ferocious wolf - or maybe singing on Broadway? :)

Quinn also enjoyed a Halloween party at school with a cute costume parade and a Halloween sing.  It was so cute!  Grandma and Grandpa from Florida were in for a few days and were able to catch the cuteness.

A wonderful October full of pumpkins, parties, festival festivities, many trips to pumpkin farms, apple donuts and apple cider slushies, adorable costumes and beautiful weather.