Halloween in Florida

Three interesting facts about Halloween in Florida:

1) Hansel and Gretel did not need snowpants, a parka, a hat, mittens or boots. So different from Maine.

 2)  Retired folks not only give good candy, but the also give money (!!!), enough to take us to the thrift shop. Plus we got these tiny little homemade treat holders. Totally adorable.

3) And as for treats from family?  Peanut M&Ms from grammy and grampy (always!) and Audra told me: "A little something caught my eye. Uncle Matt bought it for me."  Here is her "Little Something" treat that her uncle bought her.  Yup, it was four layers and double the size of her head.  While more sugar was not what she needed, it sure did taste good!

Three smiles

Very generous friends of my brother let us stay in their marvelous guest house in Florida. We are/were so blessed by this act of kindness. Not only a great place, but the backyard was so peaceful. 

Three smiles:

1) We just cannot take the farm out of these kids.  The poor duck was probably confused.

 2) We now have a sitter.  This is my favorite stage. You can just park her, walk away and come back and she's still sitting, happy as can be. (Also smile worthy is this dress I made. Love dressing my littles in mama mades.)

 3) We finally have a family shot that I love. So thankful for my little family.

En route

Last week we went to Florida and truth be told, our little family is having trouble getting back into the swing. Although we had a fine time and enjoyed family, we could use a staycation after our vacation!  Isn't that the way?  Because life doesn't stop while we're away, that's for sure.  We're slowly getting back into the groove and I have bunches of pictures to go through.

For today, here are a few pictures from traveling (minus the scary Nor' Easter we traveled through to get to the airport).  Nothing like experiencing aviation 1st hand.

And to the six, count them, SIX, different people across the various modes of transportation we experienced, who made a point to offer their praises regarding my children's behavior or my commitment to choosing books over media, thank you.  It's not easy traveling with three littles, those words of encouragement meant a lot. I think I'll try to offer a few more words of encouragement to others today. It's a good day to offer love and support. I bet quite a few parents could use a little encouragement after the time change anyway!

Peace...

An afternoon stitching on my favorite porch. That's what I have in mind to do this Sunday afternoon.

Living History

What an awesome living history event we were fortunate enough to attend! Lots of old time handcrafts! I've never seen folks cook fish on a plank fireside.  (I tasted it, so good!) We spent a lot of time with the shoemaker and I was intrigued with the rolling pin making setting up. Plus they had a military draft. Soldiers signed up or got drafted, then got paid for their duty. Then they marched and learned about serving. After serving, they were able to go to the general store to purchase goods with the money they earned serving their country. Such a neat learning opportunity for me...err...the kids. Plus a photo op for Anna-Kate. I am certain we'll put this event in our schedule next year.

Thrifted

A size 5 Columbia jacket. Reader'sDigest Reference book (these are so good, snag them when you can. I think I have 5), a serger book, two infant outfits and a cast iron spoon. $2.95. I kid you not.


All these books, for $3.00.

Family

For someone who only ever wanted "just one" child, he certainly is enjoying the life with three!

He wouldn't trade her for anything.

Three = fantastic. 

Thankful for my trio.