September 23

Seven years ago, I hitched a ride to Iowa city and experienced a fall and winter that changed my life forever.

Today, on the anniversary of this trip, I took you out for an morning doughnut when we found out you didn't have school.

I looked at you and I looked at the chocolate sprinkle doughnut and remembered how special the little things were to me, while I was in the hospital. I shared with you that one of them was escaping my room to get a coffee and a doughnut with your dad. (You asked what kind of doughnut dad got!?)

Looking back on that 3 month stay, I still feel a little silly being in there for that long and coming out with a perfect little boy and the opportunity to have a sibling for you. But I've never regretted it or wished that it never had happened. (I might feel different had insurance not picked up the tab.) Most days I forget that it even happened.

It's not until I experience fall days like these that take me back in time and remind me how blessed I am and how wonderful my life is. God knew what I needed, and I never lost my trust in that. 

Life in the hospital was simple, easy and purposeful. I learned that you don't need material things to fill you up. You don't need to get caught up with the hustle and bustle to get the most out of the season. Shopping can wait, bargains can wait, but time with family, friends and those around you can't.

I also learned that you should be thankful for every beautiful day and treasure every ray of sunshine that pokes its way through the clouds... it is its own pot of gold.
So I am thankful today and always. But especially appreciate my time with you and the sunshine we share together. 

Oktoberfest

It was so nice to get away this weekend. Even more so, it was nice to hear your excitement for the trip all week. Thankfully, we didn't have to camp and enjoyed the hotel for more reasons than one. 

You guys got just about everything you wanted. (We saved a couple things for next year.) However, I'm not sure which one you loved more...time with Herman or cups of cherries and pretzels as big as your head. I'm pretty sure it was time with Herman...you couldn't get one story out before you were excited about the next. He heard it all. 

 

Adventures on Alice Ave on a Wednesday

 Our Wednesday adventure this week looked like this...


We didn't have to get in the car or call a friend to come and visit. More importantly I didn't have to deal with the traffic headache of picking you up from school. Thanks to Jean you arrived home safe and sound ready to trade pokemon. The weather was too perfect to get lost inside, so I forced a neighborhood pool party!

 Then it was off to work for me. Luckily you guys came with and made it more interesting.

I managed to get some really good shots this week, and am loving the fact that it's happening in our backyard!

My little model...

 We took an adventure the other day to check out a new spot for fall pictures. I couldn't have asked for a better assistant and model. You had so many different poses that were your idea? (hands behind your head, standing on the log, smelling a flower, head looking down) Where do you get this stuff? It only took a bribe of a container of goldfish and a water to get you to pose. I can't believe I didn't have enough memory card for this stuff. Let's just hope that my memory holds up and remembers this little girl sticking your lips against your teeth, or motioning the word yes when asked to say it for the best smile.
Love you sweets.