Halloween

We're just getting Grace settled in bed after a busy day of pumpkin carving, cake making, trick-or-treating and everything in between.





We hope you had a wonderful Halloween too!

Storybook Parade

This morning Grace's class, along with the other kindergartners and first graders, participated in the Storybook Parade at school. Her entire class, including the teacher, were dressed as purple crayons, inspired by the "Harold and the Purple Crayon" books.

They were full of excitement while parading around - Grace said, "The best part was when the big kids yelled..... purple crayons, purple crayons!".




Without a doubt, Grace and her classmates had a great day!

Grace's Adoption Day

Over the weekend, in celebration of Grace's adoption day, we visited Disney World. Since Grace had long been requesting to see the Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, we thought this special day would be the perfect opportunity to take her.

Our evening started with dinner at the restaurant of her choosing, at non other than T-Rex. After Dean and I had had enough of the roaring and flashing lights, we headed outside so Grace could dig for dinosaur bones (yes, in her party dress). Then it was off to the big top to see the show filled with amazing acrobatics, music and costumes - she loved every second of it I tell you. Before heading back to the hotel, we made a stop at Ghirardelli's for ice cream (which in our book, no visit to Disney would be complete without).





We had a wonderful weekend celebrating with our special girl!

Costume Making

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to start making Grace's costumes. Yes, you're reading that correctly - costumes.

Costume number one will be for Grace's storybook parade at school. Her teacher has chosen the book, "Harold and the Purple Crayon", to be the class's theme. Each child is required to dress as a purple crayon for the festivities. Needless to say the teacher couldn't have selected a better theme in Grace's eyes (the boys in her class think otherwise) - purple is one of her favorite colors and she adores each and every "Harold" book.

Costume number two will be for trick-or-treating on Halloween night. After much thought she settled on being a witch. As you can see from her drawing above, I have been given a "pattern" to follow. I was a bit leery when it came to finding the bright pink and black striped tights (they had to "wide stripes" mind you) but Walmart, of all places, had them.

So in all I'll be making..... a purple glitter skirt, purple pointed hat, witch dress (I just plan on adding a ruffle to a long-sleeved t-shirt), glittery cape, black cat and last but not least, a little spider to dangle from the witch hat. Let the costume making begin!

Comparing Acorns

While in Michigan I collected a few treasures for Grace. I came home with an assortment of leaves that are currently being pressed between heavy books, several pine cones and a single acorn (Meme actually found the acorn and my efforts to find more were fruitless).

When Grace saw the acorn (on the right) that we believe fell from a Northern Red Oak tree, she was shocked by its enormous size. She immediately went to her nature table and found an acorn (on the left) that came from the Live Oak in our backyard. Quite a difference wouldn't you say? Perhaps now I have a better understanding why the squirrels in Michigan are double the size of our furry friends here in Florida!

Pumpkin Time

Upon my return from Michigan this past weekend Grace expressed an interest in attending the annual Pumpkin Festival. So without hesitation, we got ready and were off to enjoy the festivities. Here are some photos.......





As it turns out Grace had no desire to visit the "pumpkin patch" to select a pumpkin, so we came home with nearly twenty pounds of apples instead. Applesauce anyone?

Remembering Grandpa

A little over a week ago my Grandpa passed away, just sixteen short days after my Grandma died. Upon kissing him goodbye when I left Michigan in late September I knew it would likely be my last time seeing him, but I never dreamed he would leave us so soon.

I have such fond memories of him - from the delicious summer barbecue dinners he would prepare, to the amazing tomatoes he grew in his patio garden, not to mention the countless hours he spent playing games, especially Rummikub.

It brings me peace knowing that my Grandpa and Grandma are no longer suffering and are together once again, side by side, for eternity.

Franklin Cider Mill

While in Michigan last week my family and I visited a place that's filled with childhood memories, The Franklin Cider Mill. Every year, being that it was so close to my Grandparents house, we would visit the mill at least once during the fall season.

They weren't "pressing" on the day we visited, but I can distinctly remember the aroma in the air (which wasn't a pleasant one in my opinion) while the cider is being made. We took in all the sights and I purchased 2 bags of locally grown apples, which Grace and I made into applesauce after my return home.





So even though it's ninety degrees outside and the leaves will remain green all season long (make that year long) it still feels a bit like fall after visiting the mill and eating applesauce made from Michigan apples!