Kicking off our Halloween Festivities

Check out Starbuck's newest spokes-kid... Amelia. She LOVES their "deeeeeeeee-li-cious" hot chocolate.

The other day our local Starbuck's had a pumpkin painting party for the kiddos. Lee suggested we go. I think he was really looking for an excuse to get another pumpkin-spiced-latte.

Normally, when Amelia paints, she puts 5-6 brush strokes on the page and is ready to move on. This time she was all about the paint. Her pumpkin (and sweater!) was covered.

Fun was had by all... thanks Starbuck's!

Oh, what a beautiful day!

It's the middle of October and 80 degrees here in Chapel Hill... some may call that "global warming" -- I call it delightful. Since it's going to barely make 60 tomorrow, we made sure to get out today and enjoy the beautiful weather

Our wonderful friends Sarah, Taylor, and Catherine met us at the park and fun was to be had by all. I failed in my attempt to get a good pic of Noah -- my fair skinned, light blond hair boy is hard to photograph. Amelia and Sarah stood still for me to take exactly one photo of each. The image of the day goes to Taylor... such a cutie!

So long t-shirts (today), hello sweaters (tomorrow)...

Happy Birthday Uncle Tom

Today is a special day... it's my wonderful Uncle Tom's birthday. All day I've been thinking of him and our many dear memories. I miss him so.

I keep coming back to one of my sweetest memories... the day he met Amelia. She wore her best dress for this important introduction and was on her best behavior. She took to him immediately... quietly slumbering while snuggled up on his shoulder. I loved that their bond had been formed... that she'd get to know the man who meant so much to me... who was not only my Uncle, but who had taken over as Grandfather, who gave me valued guidance, who helped to teach me to "think big", who expected the very best from me... who loved me like his own.

I don't need to see the photo to picture this moment perfectly in my mind. But, oh, how I love that photo. In honor of Tom, I'm posting it today, along with a few others from that first visit three years ago.

What I'd give for him to meet Noah...

Saturday Self-Portrait