Friday, September 24, 2010

Autumn is Here!


We are celebrating the first official days of autumn in our home. Although the weather hasn't changed much yet, the leaves aren't doing more than turning a dry brown color, and the air is about as crisp as a wet electric blanket, the spirit of fall is alive and well in our air-conditioned space! We have donned our autumn colors, put our fall wreath on the front door, and started baking things with cinnamon and spices. Now all we need is a nice norther to come through and hold up nature's end of the transition!

I, personally, am hoping for some autumnal weather before we get cold. It seems like spring kinda cheated us out of the nice, in-between weather where windows can be opened and things can be done outside; the weather just went from cold to hot with no apologies. This season, let's all hope it doesn't do the same in reverse, and we go from bare feet and air conditioning to sweaters and fireplaces!

On the first official day of fall, after revamping our wreath and baking some bread, we headed outside with our big sidewalk chalk for some late September, late afternoon sunshine.

The happy girl who could live outside, and her well-loved bag of chalk

The lazy still-summer sun, despite the first day of fall

Digging for her favorite colors

Inspecting the ever-shrinking yellow chalk nubbin

Ready to make something beautiful

Beautiful

Exploring rocks and dirt and bugs and sticks

Bare feet

Happy afternoon

Although we are still above 'normal' temperatures, it's still nicer than 100+, and we are taking full advantage of the chance to run around outside, stretch our legs and toes in the waning sun, and soak up whatever Texas wants to call fall. Happy Autumn!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Mornings

Oh, are we ever soaking up this autumnal weather! Despite the fact that we still have 15 days until the "official" first day of fall, what we've had in the forecasts lately have been a welcome respite from the dismal summer heat! Our daily routine has adapted accordingly: after breakfast and getting dressed, we now head outside and spend the entire morning exploring, running (kind of), poking, digging, picking, and splashing! By the time lunch rolls around, there are usually two growling tummies and one very dirty little one! It's a beautiful way to spend the beginning of any day. Frequently, the big sidewalk chalk accompanies us on our adventures...

Morning in the driveway

Making "Chalk Paint" in a puddle

"Painting" with water

"Han Pihnt!"

Doesn't this say it all?

Wet, dirty, and loving it

Happy cheese ball

Sitting in the puddle and drawing on the dry

Audrey's favorite color...s

Sweet girl

As the weather continues to turn, we are eager to celebrate the freedom that comes with the breaking of the heat! Welcome, Autumn, we missed you!