Around here lately

We've been playing at parks and going on hayrides, walking in parades and going to Homecoming games, soaking up all the fall sunshine we can...

It's been a busy week, full of sunshine and hard work and jam-packed free time. And we wouldn't have it any other way.

The weather today was as fine as it could be. The kids and I drove out to Gates Mills for this adorable fall festival.  The drive out there alone was a treasure.  Leaves glittering and catching the sun as we twisted and turned along the wooded road, shards of blue sky above us, stark fall shadows playing across our windows.  The sun was warm and kind and the children were so well behaved.  It was a beautiful day indeed.

Tonight we are putting time into cleaning and preparing the house for the return of Second Sunday Soup.  I am looking forward to an evening of candles and soup and bread and friends and hordes of crazy beautiful children and putting life on hold for a little bit in the company of several dozen wonderful people.  I am loving these traditions we are starting, proud we have kept this one going.  Tradition is important.  So is soup.

So is this girl.

I just love this series of pictures. This is so HER.  So much expression, so little time...

This one too.

She's been calling all her dolls "baby sister," and caring for them with great dedication, carting them everywhere, feeding them, gently cradling them against her shoulder.  And napping with them in the big bed.  Just like I napped with tiny Ivy.  Seems so long ago.  
She's the sweetest sleeper ever.  Don't you just want to hug her to bits?


Friday Jack and Ivy marched -- well, rode-- in the Cleveland Heights Homecoming parade.  It was adorable.  The truck full of kids, and the tiny, two block parade.  Jack was so excited to be a part of it all and of course our three year old climbed in the truck too, without a moment's hesitation.

We stayed for a quarter of the game, too.  Jack and his friend Finn were VERY into it, carefully watching the ball and cheering for every tackle.  Ivy clapped because she likes clapping.  We also spent a lot of time looking for the tiger mascot.  We enjoyed a dinner of dollar dogs from the concession stand and the festivity of the excited young crowd.  I forgot about the contagious spirit of High School football games.   It was more fun than I expected.

 
Finally, here are some pictures from our visit to the Mayfield festival today.   Tiny petting zoo where we could feed the animals, terrific dragon shaped bounce house, and cute, easy carnival games.   Oh yeah, and a hayride.  That  Corydon got to come on.  It was pretty perfect.

 Around here lately, we are busy having fun.  Much love and happy weekend!