Thanksgiving

Audrey at the park.

Violet with the light blocks.

Thanksgiving in Richmod, Virginia was a sweet reunion of family.  It was Violet's first experience there and both she and Audrey were adored and engaged the entire time by family members.  On more than one occasion, Audrey told me that she didn't want to leave.  Now she understands how I feel every year.  To have the love and support and encouragement of so many loving and wise people is a blessing in our lives.  The laughter and conversations and smiles and adventures will last us another year until we can do it all again.  Thank you to our family everywhere.  You kindle our fire.  

Dancing with Uncle Fred in the kitchen.

Laughing at cousin Sam

The pumpkin custard was a smash with violet.  

Chihuly and Violet

Sisters exploring at the Museum of Modern Art

Audrey and Sam

Violet and Aunt Irene

Cousin Emma and Audrey discussing modernism

The color of Thanksgiving

Violet and a leaf.

So cool.

The Little Things

Audrey at the farm.

Finding the small moments in each day make life so much more enjoyable.  While there are always ills and errands and chores and cleaning, it is more important to search-out the things that make you laugh, or make the people around you happy.  While we all have struggles and challenges and dreams that we strive for, it is important to not look too far away for we will surely miss the things right in front of us waiting to be shared and experienced.

Violet exploring out back.

A weekend in Indiana was a time for the family to relax and enjoy some time playing and exploring.  We took the girls to visit some horses and Audrey even got to saddle-up!  We took a nice walk at the farm, exploring the woods and pond, and I even managed to chop some wood in between rounds of football and swinging the girls in the air!

Daddy and his girls.

Audrey says that she loves to hug her stuffed animals.  She tells me that the things she loves the most right now are her unicorn that her grandmother bought her, and balloons are also a favorite at the moment.  At school, she enjoys playing in home living and learning how to draw and write with her friends.  She talks about going to high school already!  She tells me that being a big sister is tough sometimes, but she tries to share with her, especially treats!  The best part is helping feed her little sister, as well as washing her hair during bath time.  It is always interesting watching these two interact on a daily basis.

Mom and Violet.  A dynamic duo.

The evenings in our home still end the same way; bath, books, bed.  The night is not complete without two stories before goodnight hugs.  While I won't remember my trip to the store today a week from now, I will always cherish reading a Sendak story and listening to the laughter of my family   As stated earlier, the little things are sometimes the biggest in life.

Dad reliving his Alaskan glory days splitting wood.

Audrey taking a ride in the country.

I really like this picture.  Kim is getting very good at her craft.

Violet is all about safety!

Audrey in the woods behind the farm.

Daddy/Daughter catch.

Fly little one, fly!

Violet and Grandpa Cip blow out their birthday candles.

Audrey and Gail review their photos.  

Falling forward

The family is finding new layers of blankets and warm clothing as the temperature drops a little each day. Summer and days in T-shirts are either a pleasant memory or a whimsical thought for the future. For now, however, we take the extra time to bundle-up and play with our ghosts of hot breath on these new November mornings.

Violet is now a year old. What time has done is a miracle. The two-tooth wonder was born on 11-1-11 and is now a smiling, snorting, exploring super baby. All of our lives have been brightened by her and every day is an adventure.

Like a wave pulling out back to sea after crashing on the shore, there is a feeling of change and new waves of evolution are coming to our family. We are content to simply be and enjoy our daily lives, yet I feel like we are gathering steam towards a new something yet to be defined.

For the moment, though, I sit next to Audrey as the lights dim in the movie theatre. She is munching popcorn contently as the previews roll. I am reminded of my own childhood.