Some days are for finding the mysteries hidden below a leaf.

Some days are for finding a cool and inspiring spot to sit.

Some days are for finding a leaf that becomes your favorite. It could be a favorite because of the color variation, a favorite because both sides were interesting, a favorite because it could be used as an imaginary tool, and a favorite because after treasuring it, we got to hide it in a special place so it can continue its own adventure.

Some days are for taking a moment to forget our individual goals and embrace the opportunity that is present.

Some days are for bouquet of leaves.

Some days are for giving Mama a smile that we can capture and remember for days and years to come.

We celebrated Halloween at Ms. Laurel and Mr. Shawn’s house. The girls had been asking to go out and see our friends and ride their horses, so we made sure we got an invitation. All of us seem to enjoy this yearly event. The girls didn’t have any fear of the horses this year. They rode without saddles and the only complaint I heard was that their rear-ends were a bit sore. Julia especially kept asking for another trip around the yard. The day was beautiful and dry. The evening cooled off a lot when the sun went down, but by then we were settled inside for food and pumpkin carving. No good photos of the pumpkins, but Laurel and Shawn did a great job carving the girls’ original designs. New this year was some additional friends added to the party. Another young family (if we still get to call ourselves a young family) joined in the fun. Their daughter was uncertain about the horse, but once she got started, she did not want to get off either. Our girls enjoyed having two more little people to hang out with.

Emily enjoying herself.

Our new Halloween party friends.

Riding around the yard.

The only thing Julia didn’t seem to enjoy about the evening was looking at the camera. Oh well. Another successful party. Thanks Laurel and Shawn.

We enjoyed a beautiful and a bit muddy morning at the pumpkin patch. The girls love the extra fun games that go with the maze and pumpkin patch. They rode the slide and bounced a lot. It is a wonder they had energy to do anything else. We did half of the big maze with the girls taking turns leading the way. Each girl searched the pumpkin patch for the perfect pumpkin. Emily wanted a small one and Julia wanted one she could carry. The sun shined on us and a breeze kept us cool. It was a perfect way to spend the morning with Grandma and Grandpa.

We celebrated the return of cooler weather with a short hike in the arboretum. The rain wanted to celebrate too, so we didn’t stay out too long. The girls were more interested in playing than posing for their Mama.

The bridges are fun to explore and dance on.

Shy grins can be shared.

A short hike, lots of silliness, a few shivers, fresh air, and a fun visit.

Fall is here, but we are still having warm weather to enjoy it. We took a hike with our grandparents at the local arboretum. Emily kept asking to walk father and loved the day. Julia liked exploring and finding fun sticks to use as walking sticks.

Who doesn’t love crossing a bridge and watching the water flow beneath it.

Fall sunshine is the best for bringing out smiles.

Big sisters are always good for giving kisses!

We took our grandparents out for pumpkin hunting at a local pumpkin patch. It was a beautiful day to be outside enjoying fall.

Happy pumpkin grins!

Hiding among the cornstalks

We didn’t get lost in the maze and we had a great time.