Gahhhh Crunchy Leaves

Since I am sitting here sick in bed, I thought the very least I could do (besides binge watching Suits all day) is share a couple of pics of the girls playing in the ever coveted, ever cherished fall leaves. We had such a lovely fall this year which has given us so many opportunities to enjoy being outside and really getting to appreciate the changing colours.

Nola was too young to run and jump through the leaves last year so this year was pretty amazing. Shhhhhh don't tell her I said that, she wouldn't like it. She doesn't think she was ever to small for anything. Anyway, long story short, I got to see Nola experience joy with the fall leaves for the first time and it was pretty fantastic.

Hope you are all enjoying your week!

Fall Has Flung (is that a thing?)

I don't know if it's a thing but you know, "spring has sprung" well - FALL HAS FLUNG!!!! I am a huge fan of fall. Those of you who have been reading for a while know this already. Singing the praises of fall will be a bit tedious for you. How about I let the pictures do some of the talking this year?

Apple picking has easily become one of our family favourites. Guys! The pure joy we experience is off the charts. Completely off!!! It could not be measured!!!

Such a perfect yearly tradition for us all. Watching the girls wander through the low hanging trees. Hearing the screams of excitement when they have found the "perfect" apple. Listening to the sticks crack under their running feet. Seeing how much higher they get up the trees this year, than the years that have passed. Hearing that POP that only sounds like the first bite of an apple right off the branch.

We talk about new classroom teachers, new grades, new friends. We pull out our boots and scarves (even though this year it was way to warm for both). I watch as the 5 cousins find their way with each other. They stop and talk, they carry babes, they swing, they help.

Auntie Paula got some clutch snuggle time with Hazel. I am pretty sure she would have held her until her arms turned to mush and her legs felt like rubber. SO precious!

Stella looking WAY way to old for my liking. WAY!!!!

Torturing the 5 girls to get in a photo. Trust me they are used to it. Hazel was so NOT into it, as per usual. Always making it her own. If we tell her to sit, she stands. If we tell her to stand, she sits. So - you know - there's that. OY!

We added a gorgeous new face to the tradition this year. She was perfect!!! She enjoyed her share of eating apples. Making it very clear that she wanted to be just like all the other girls.

Here is another family portrait. We were going for "kids, do whatever you can possibly can manage to look like train wrecks!" #nailedit

Loving this pic though...

My girls are brutal. Never look at the same time, never smile at the same time....ugh!!!

Except of course when the camera is NOT focused on them in the slightest bit. Oh yeah!!!! Big smiles then....HUGE!!!! Same time even.

This was an easy shot to get....NOPE! #ialmostcutofftheirheadsbutididnt #HA

So, here we are in laaaaaaaaate September (October even) and I am finally starting to feel a little caught up here on the blog. Just in time to post a birth story (no I haven't forgotten) and gear up for Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Stay tuned and Happy Fall Y'all!!

Better Late then Never

We made it out to play in the leaves. Yes it was late.

Yes it was cold.

But I'll be damned if I'm not gonna take Hazel out to play in the the fall leaves.

She had absolutely NO fun, as you can see...

She's always on a mission to get some place.

YAY!!! For making the fall wait for us this year. We didn't forget you!

Fall is Here - Officially

Fall is here....you know how I know? Cause all this is happening. Plus, it smells, feels and tastes so good.

There are certain things that only happen in fall. They come at you hard and strong and suddenly, there it is. You find yourself embracing all the pumpkin scented candles, freshly picked apple pies, pulling out your sweaters, and sliding into your cozy warm jeans (well some of us still fit into our jeans, I'll do the sweater thing for now).

The sound of football games in the background all DAY on Sundays. Hazel and I are fans.

I always find it hard to be sad about summer coming to an end. I LOVE the changing season - the leaves, the weather, the apples and peaches. There just seems to be this feeling of "settling" that comes with the fall. A little more, "What can I cook for dinner tonight?" or "Let's bake something" or "Does anyone know of a good book to read?"

Another reminder that it's fall, apple picking with little people...

I know these are blurry but I couldn't help but add them.

Hope you are enjoying the Fall so far. There's only 1 thing left that I'm waiting to enjoy. The changing leaves. Soon enough they will change and fall my friends.

Happy "Apple-Crispy" Friday

K...so it's official.

I'm NESTING!!!!

I don't recall this "nesting type" feeling with Hazel so much. We did the practical "lets-get-a-room-ready-for-a-new-baby" type projects. You know a nursery, clothes, baskets of baby items that you have no idea what to do with at the time, stuff like that.

This time (and it could very well be the season. I find FALL brings out the bakey-crafty-projecty mood in people. Especially considering I'm a teacher. I am dying to do a craft with kids) I find I am into more "nesty" type activities. Like painting for instance. I want to paint everything, like everything. If we bought it for Hazel's room, it's in the garage waiting to be be painted. SOOOOOOO not like me. I prefer wood in its original form. I love the rustic feel, the colour, the grain and the smell. Apparently not at the moment. I glare at everything in sight wondering to myself what said object would look like if it was painted. Look out - Mama's on a mission.

Another example of this nesting I speak of is BAKING. I am not a girl who bakes usually. Cook...yes. I LOVE to cook. Baking is better left to the professionals. My aunt, my Nonna, my cousin, my mother-in-law, my mom - as long as it's not me.

However, my mom and I spent an entire day in the kitchen baking apple crisp. We, fortunately, were given the apples from my Zia. She has a beautiful home with LOTS of fruit trees.  This year she has more apples than she can possibly bake or eat herself. So we were put to the task to use as many as we could (#firstworldproblems). I DO NOT like to waste food.

Anyway, this post is becoming way more wordy than anticipated for a Friday post. So I leave you with the pics of the "nesting" that has been going on. As you can see by the fact that I decorated the containers for everyone...NESTING!!! The proof is right there!!! Anyone who knows me, knows this is just not something that happens.

I couldn't decide what smile to give you all today. I figured why not both? You can NEVER have too many smiles...

Hope you are enjoying the Fall season so far!!! I must admit I did enjoy spreading the Fall cheer this year with some home-made apple crisp.

Happy Friday!!!