September? October?

Wow. Left off in August... September is a ghost. October is almost over...

So much is happening currently. Words cannot give justice to the changes occurring.

Hoping to have some updates in the next few days. Surely, updates will naturally occur around Halloween. Baz's costume is priceless (and of his own choosing). Can't wait.

I have been conserving energy as of late and cannot wait to find myself sharing in this space, once again. Biggest love and wishes for a magical Autumn to ya'll.

Blessings, T.

Trick or Treat!

I had it all planned out. Jack O' lantern shaped pizza for dinner, a glass of wine each for Mama and Papa, Cupcakes as our "treat" and an eve of greeting costumed kidlets from our porch. We even gave the front porch an eerie glow and one carved pumpkin.

Sebastian was having loads of fun jumping on the sofa and helping Mama answer the door... and then he tried to escape with the crowd. We brought him back inside and he kept demanding "more kids!". We talked about why the kids were ringing our bell and taking treats before moving on to the next house. Sebastian thought about it all for a few minutes and then proclaimed, "Sebastian trick or treat! Sebastian ring bell!". So, we left Papa to tend the door and off we went with the intention of just hitting a couple houses on our block. Sebastian was having so much fun (and his smallness and precociousness was such a hit at each house) that we ended up making a loop around the block. We met some super friendly neighbors along the way who invited us over to a hot dog BBQ/hot cocoa shindig in their front yard. How could we pass that up?! Bas and I went home, fetched Papa, turned off the porch light and went over to mingle with the neighbors. It was all so very whimsical, unexpected and just plain fun. Of course, Bas scored enough candy to keep our household sweet for some time to come.

calming, cetering, changing.

We've got signs of Autumn & change raging in and out of our house this week. The nature table had a seasonal refresh, Benjamin built a fantastic plant stand out of scrap wood (in about an hour!) so that we could bring the plants in until Spring, the front porch has been made appropriately festive (the corn stalks are from our garden... the hay bales will be used to winterize the garden) & even dear Shiva the snake is preparing to shed.

The nature table/family altar is ripe with symbolism. Acorns for potential growth, winter squash for bounty and harvest, one of Shiva's previous sheddings for change & release. The Buddha is pretty much a staple year round reminding us to go within and to dance through the world from a place of calm strength. This tiny nook serves as a constantly cycling visual reminder of the changes to come within and without.

We're fully in the mood for Celebrating this season. Though more snow did flurry through here yesterday, Winter is just going to have to wait its turn.

Even more Halloween fun: Boo at the Zoo!

We made it out of the house early Saturday for the trick or treat event at our local zoo. Good thing, too, because it was packed! Sebastian and Mama had a blast (and I dare say even Papa had way more fun than expected). Safe trick or treating, animals, train & carousel rides? What's not to love?

Bas' first lollipop! He finished the first and had the second open and in his mouth before we even realized there was a second.

Carousel fun with Papa!

Okay, okay... Mama was having more fun than most of the kids.

On the go at the zoo playground.

Mama's little hatchling.

Caterpillar wrangler.

Hanging on for dear life!

Can't catch me!

A fantastically fun filled day! In fact, the only tears of the day appeared when it was time to leave... and once settled in the car, he was passed out in seconds. 3 Halloween events down, 1 to go. These events have been a very welcome distraction from the 4 canine teeth working their way through the little guy's gums (Yes! All four at once! It is aawful.). Mama is so appreciative.

Pre-Halloween festivities!

Utah is *NOT* lacking in Halloween celebrations. Just this week we made it to two parties! You will note below that it was very hard to get a picture of Bas as he was zipping around with excitement.

Bas' first mustache: cupcake style!

Too much fun! Can't sit still!

Finally! I caught him just long enough to snap one... & he wiggled like crazy until I let him go.

Yes, he has 2 costumes. I had lofty ideas of painting his face into a Day-of-the-Dead-like skeleton. Reasoning hit just in time and saved us from a big creamy mess. He was completely happy to wear the Elmo costume to the party at the Unitarian church. In one weeks time, Sebastian decided that anything touching his chin or throat is unacceptable. When we dressed him in Elmo for the Little Gym party, much screaming and complaining ensued. Lucky we had the skeleton onesie at hand. So so cute even without the makeup. Halloween might be our fave holiday... We'll let you know after Winter Solstice.