fall colors & discovery

It has taken so long for our colors to change and for the weather to be fall-appropriate.  I think this may be a year where my love affair with fall gets ripped off and we jump straight from summer right into snow.

Ruby and I soak up the afternoons when weather is a bit cooler and there's always a gentle breeze.  Ruby loves to color with chalk, but lately she has been busy collecting colored leaves, sticks, pinecones, and rocks.

And me?  Well, I just enjoy the moments where she counts rocks or pine needles ("two, two two, two NIIINE!"), begs me to draw kitty after kitty on the porch, and discovers the world around her.  I am so blessed to witness this on a daily basis, to support her in her wonder, and to know we were blessed with such a beautiful, amazing little girl.

Lately, we have also been baking a lot of things.  The other day, I pulled out the mixer, and Ruby went over to the chair and said, "Oh no!  Purse!"  It took me a second to realize what she was talking about, but she needed to scoot the chair over so she could help me.  She can't be left out of anything, and I love seeing her tiny little fingers pouring ingredients in with such a proud face.

Life is so good.