thankful.

... because it doesn't get any better than this.

It's the morning after, but Happy Thanksgiving!

imagination at work here, people!

What you are witnessing here, ladies and gentleman, is a demonstration of the "Color-nator 3000" by my #2 duckling. (Yes, she named it herself. And designed it.)

Created of only the most durable of materials (a roller-style hairbrush, a mechanical pencil, and yes, that is none other than: Duct Tape), the Color-nator 3000 will soon be featured on Nick Jr.'s "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy"! (this according to its creator, Ms. Lydia)

Does it get any better than this?

anyone seen my dinoaur?

... he just won't slow down!

seasons past.

Even if only for a brief moment, when walking through my neighborhood this weekend with my 3 ducklings... the sound of leaves rustling under our feet and the smell of burning leaves in the air... I am taken back- way back- to my youth, a young girl walking to school in the crisp air that is "fall" in Western New York State...

I am quickly brought back to reality however, at the sight of my nearly-7 year old running through the park in shorts... in November. The fall in the mid-south is nothing compared to that that I remember of fall in WNY.

peek-a-boo...

... Jack sees you!

october, where did you go?

For as much as I resisted the season's change in September, I sure am sad to see October move behind us. We so enjoyed all the preparations for Halloween: decorating the house, a trip to the pumpkin patch, getting costumes ready, and we even hosted a fun evening with our neighbor friends before all heading out together to trick-or-treat!

Moving on though... Thanksgiving is upon us and right behind that Christmas is waiting. I find myself already about half finished shopping and now I am mentally planning our decorating. Can't wait for that fresh smell of the tree to fill the house!

first things first.

We have been busy these days and I am almost certain that has everything to do with the fact that we recently added another living, breathing thing to our number. Finnegan is doing great... he has such a sweet personality and he has fit in just fine with our bunch. Dublin doesn't seem to mind his presence, but will not hesitate to "scold" Finn if he is misbehaving. Our kitty boy, Smokey, is completely oblivious to the puppy's presence however- which is a stark comparison to how he feels about Dublin (which I think is Dublin's fault, just by virtue of being a dog). We spend much of our day working on "little" things like potty training, keeping fuzzy slippers and running shoes up out of his reach, and really just enjoying him. Like my 2-legged children, the 4-legged ones grow up and old way too fast!

Here is a picture of the boys from this morning, just sitting on the patio enjoying the warm, sunny morning:

October has turned my baby boy 2! We had a very small celebration in honor of Mr. Jack Patrick, complete with chocolate cupcakes,

... a big birthday candle,

... chocolate cupcakes,

... and a small handful of good friends!

So those were the first things that I needed to put first. I have loads of pictures to share- as I mentioned, October has been very busy in these parts... visits to the pumpkin patch and the botanic garden, decorating for a most beloved holiday, and just enjoying Fall!

More soon...