Enjoying the Small Things

Enjoying the Small Things

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A Proper Tea

October 7, 2011 By Kelle

We had a proper tea yesterday.

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I happened across an Internet list of all the tea rooms in South Florida recently. Not cafes. Not restaurants. Tea rooms.

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It was as if I found a treasure map, and I couldn’t get gloves on my girl fast enough. Because I will forever be entranced with scenes from old books like Anne of Green Gables where raspberry cordial and fruit cake are things one talks about in everyday conversation.

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Mr. Brambles, the tea room’s resident bear, joined us, looking dapper in his velvet vest, complete with pocket square.

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We talked in British accents, and I could not contain my laughter when gushing things like “Oh this Devonshire cream is so delicious, dahling.” Because it was funny and yet so delightfully not-funny at the same time.

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I love to celebrate the ordinary, but I also like making room for the imagination and fantasy of unordinary occasions–like wearing satin gloves for tea with jam and bread and pretending like a good currant scone recipe is something I’ve been perfecting for years.

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Childhood is such a magical place…it’s a shame it doesn’t last forever.
…or does it?

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And it is such a delight now to have Nella leaving her role of baby-who-totes-along to accept her position of baby-who-participates. The best way to learn and grow.

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We will, for sure, be returning to Brambles.

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Afternoon tea was accompanied by some local window shopping…

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…and a park & beach night cap.

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Back to the ordinary this weekend. Less fancy, just as delicious.

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*****

Last year, I participated in Dove’s Self Esteem Weekend, and I’ll be doing it again this year. Dove invites you to join this powerful campaign by asking you to pledge an hour in a self-esteem buiding activity with a girl in your life during the weekend of October 21-23.

Check out their pledge map, and suggested ideas for activities here.

Having girls, this mission hits home, and I am so grateful for what Dove is doing to show that beauty comes in all sizes, shapes and colors…but mostly, it radiates from within.

I’ll be writing more about this movement later this month.

*****

Friday Phone Photo Dump:

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*****

Hot weekend plans? Do tell.

Have a delicious weekend, dahlings. Pip pip, cheerio!

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Filed Under: Photo Dump 140 Comments

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Comments

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  1. Liane says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    Love the tea photos! So elegent!

    Happy Friday! xx

    Reply
  2. Janet says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    Looks like you had a lovely time! Canadian Thanksgiving for us…family and turkey…the best!

    Reply
  3. Team Lando says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    I can’t WAIT til Ellie is old enough to take to tea. I just got the American Girls listing, too! Love the pic of Lainey pushing Nella, they are simply lovely together.

    Weekend plans: Running 20 miles. Hanging out with Ellie while husband runs 20 miles. Ordering Thai food to recover from 20 miles. And apple picking, provided one of us has the energy to wear Ellie in a baby Bjorn!

    Reply
  4. lynxymama says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    this is just too too adorable!!!

    Reply
  5. CoyGirl says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    Once I went to a real tea baby shower, and I totally got caught sneaking Splenda out of my purse and into my beautiful teacup… Party Foul.

    Reply
  6. Karidan Kaye says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    OH how I yearn for a daughter someday….

    Reply
  7. jennyfreckles says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    Oh you do have such fun. Love those pretty outfits and the gloves! Bravo for you – you’re an inspiration.

    Reply
  8. kcampbell says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    It’s Thanksgiving here in Canada so we will be spending the weekend stuffing our faces (all 3 days) with turkey dinner and family <3

    Reply
  9. Katy says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    I’m working on homework all weekend..they aren’t hot plans, more like boring plans lol

    Reply
  10. Shannon says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    …and this is why I am happy I had a girl πŸ™‚

    Reply
  11. Alisha Lopez says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    Ummm so let me start by saying I LOVE that Nella has embraced the “piggie tails” UHHH dorable! I hated them as a kid but gosh she rocks them!

    I love that your kids are embracing things of the extraordinary, I dare not call them different because they are extraordinary experiences that will guide them into being well-rounded, open young ladies who embrace life and all it has to offer, not seeing boundaries in experiences. Such a GIFT you are giving to them, one day, they will see it….

    Reply
  12. Deb says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    AWESOME! DO you think I could convince my 14 year old daughter to go? LOL Or maybe one of my 3 boys?

    Reply
  13. Hazel says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Love high tea, and don’t worry your girls will always love it! We did a high tea for Steph’s (Rob’s daughter) this year for her 16th. Her friends loved it, and I admit I had a great time decorating and baking. A quiet weekend for us at the hut, stitching a baby sampler for me, I have to get it done by Christmas for my baby neice and, ahem I’ve only just started although I’ve had it for months. Hope you have a lovely weekend Kelle.

    Reply
  14. Jen says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    That cloud pic is stunning!

    We are doing some pumpkin and apple picking this weekend since it is 80 degrees in ohio! Can’t wait!!

    Tea looks lovely, dahling!

    Reply
  15. Karen says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    Weekend consists of taking the 18-month old grandson to his first pumpkin farm πŸ™‚

    Reply
  16. Sheila says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    I’m a sucker for little girls in smocked dresses, baby legs in white tights and black shiny-shiny shoes. Looks like all the girls had a perfectly delicious day!

    Reply
  17. Lisa says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Hot weekend plans….I managed to “trim the rose bushes”, which led to ripping out every plant in front of our house. So, our plans are to make it look like people really live here, not the scene of the zombie apocalypse.

    Reply
  18. Danny and Jenna's Wedding says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    I love the floral wallpaper in the tea room! What fun! We celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, this weekend, so it will be a family and fun-filled weekend. We’ll be hiking at an area park where we can enjoy the fall colours – which I no longer take for granted since reading your posts!

    Reply
  19. L. says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Beautiful… all of you!! Like like like

    Reply
  20. Bethany says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    You have just sparked the most amazing date that I can take my girls on! Thank you!

    Happy Weekend!

    Reply
  21. Sarah says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Looks like so much fun! I am definitely doing this when Mags gets older!!! LOVE it! What a fun day.

    Reply
  22. Renee says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    I absolutely LOVE it! I can’t wait to have tea with Arya. I wonder if they have Tea Rooms in California….

    Reply
  23. Beth says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    Such a good idea for little girls!
    Our weekend plans: celebrate the day I become a Mommy! My baby is turning three! I’m not sure when that happened. I love that this is the first birthday she ‘gets’, she is so excited. I can’t wait!

    Reply
  24. Andrea says

    October 7, 2011 at 7:59 pm

    That’s just the most adorable thing ever! Of course, being British, we take tea every afternoon at 2pm and I’m quite the expert when it comes to baking a good fruit scone (pronounced sk-own rather than sk-on of course) or a Victoria Sponge.

    I didn’t have any weekend plans but I’m sooooo totally taking my little girl out for tea this weekend now!

    Andrea x

    Reply
  25. Ryan's Mommy says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    That is a splendid idea, dahling. Would it be too too much for me to take two boys to tea?!?

    Reply
  26. Mergen's says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    how cute! love the tea party pics. We are hitting up a pumpkin patch this weekend. hope to get good pics.

    Reply
  27. songskatesang says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    Wow ~ Kelle, those pictures are so beautiful. I absolutely love them.

    Reply
  28. Yana says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    What a beautiful tea shop! So awesome.

    Reply
  29. Denise says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    Nella is getting so grown up looking!! My Mom used to take my niece to tea once a year, I need to look into doing that with my girls. What fun! As for my weekend plans, football, soccer and lots of baseball!! 5 active kids equals lots of sporting events….but I will be with my family and NOT working so it is all good!! My just turned 5 year old is having such a hard time trasitioning to kindergarten and me working does not help….insert Mommy guilt X 100!! Going to try and give her some extra TLC this weekend.

    Reply
  30. Just Trying Not to Blink .... says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    You all looked so very proper at your lovely tea! I especially liked Nella’s white outfit, so angelic, and Lainey’s gloves. Simply delightful, ladies …

    Up herr in Canada it’s Thanksgiving this weekend, so we will be eating lots of Turkey and getting a start on our Halloween decorations.

    Reply
  31. idiosyncraticeye says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    Aha! Finally found how to comment on your wonderful blog, been reading for a while and especially your lovely photos.

    Cream teas rock! It’s got to be plain scones, clotted cream and raspberry jam. Or sliced fresh strawberries, maybe. Mmm.

    Enjoy!

    πŸ™‚

    Reply
  32. kosenrufu mama says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    adorable tea room!!! wonderful cups!!!

    Reply
  33. Soaking Up the Happy Life... says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    How cool that you have a place so perfect to go have tea! I miss tea time with my little girl. We are going through her big walk in closet today and purging and I just came across one of her tea sets…what great memories!

    Reply
  34. Mrs. C says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    hot weekend plans= sleep, grading essays, & carving PUMPKINS!!

    Reply
  35. Jennifer says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    This weekend we will be cheering on my brother as he runs the “Rock and Roll” marathon here in Denver!
    At the “Brown Palace Hotel” (Denver) they serve high tea complete with live piano music. Having two boys I will save tea for dates with my girl friends (who all have boys too).
    Happy weekend.

    Reply
  36. Maria says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    Beautiful photos.
    Weekend plans~Enjoying fall. Cold mornings, hot coffee, warm afternoons, open windows, cool evenings, soft blankets. Throw nephews into the mix~heaven.
    Happy Weekend!

    Reply
  37. Luna says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    I’m an italian girl… BELLISSIME!

    Reply
  38. Monique says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    I love the tea photos. I will have to take my 9 year old to one like that. She would love it! I am off to VEGAS this weekend for a girls trip with my mom, sister, and good friend. I cannot wait!!

    Reply
  39. Brown Eyed Mama says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    That is awesome, my girls would FLIP. Now you have me googling for tea rooms….

    Reply
  40. Cary says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    What a wonderful idea and adventure for your girls! The pics are adorable!

    Reply
  41. Katillia Marie says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    This is wonderful! I think my daughter and I might just have to have tea party this afternoon! I love your cream blouse…its WONDERFUL!!! We plan on staying in this weekend, doing homework, snuggling and watching movies…and maybe a few afternoon walks!

    Reply
  42. Meagan Kenney says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    Alrighty, I want to know the story behind the crazy hair photo! LOL! No big plans this weekend, which is actually NICE for a change. The weather here is beautiful so we may stroll to the park and make something with pumpkin, like muffins or cookies. Have a good one Kelle.

    Reply
  43. Annette says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    We just discovered a tea house near us and we took my niece there for her birthday last month. I loved every minute of it…playing pretend is so much fun and you have to use the accent..lol. We will be going to the pumpkin farm. We live in Buffalo, NY and it is going to unseasonably warm this weekend so we will be taking full advantage of this unexpected gift. Have a good weekend πŸ™‚

    Reply
  44. Lesley says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    It looks like proper tea as well…fantastic!!!! Tea was big at our house growing up. It’s something we did go out for and dress up for. Very special.

    Reply
  45. Megan@TrueDaughter says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Looks like SO.MUCH.FUN! My girls would have LOVED it! We used to have a tea room, but it closed years ago. My sweet husband actually took me there on the way home from our honeymoon at a beautiful bed and breakfast. Seemed appropriate.
    Nella’s dress? To die for! Is that a vintage Polly Flinders? So cute, I had dresses like that when I was a baby that my mom saved and my girls wore. Too, too sweet!

    Reply
  46. Vivian says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Awww, I love old fashioned tea parties, even though I’m not girlie so therefore wouldn’t do one myself, but my daughter is SO super girly she would love it! I always adore seeing your pictures and your girls are too cute!

    Reply
  47. Amanda says

    October 7, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    just wanted to say your girls are gorgeous. And also I grew up in a small town in Scotland with a cafe (what you would call a tea room) called Brambles!”

    Reply
  48. Kellie says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    we love tea rooms! my mom and a friend of her’s visit different ones trying to find the best one out there. i live far away from my mommy, but when we get together with the whole family, my sister, my sister-in-law, my mom and myself take an afternoon and visit the newest ‘best’ tea room my mom has found. so fun! and my mom has tea parties for the grandchildren every visit. traditions! πŸ™‚ i’m so glad you found a tea room that allows little girls! so many of them don’t. looks like you had so much fun and your girls are beautiful! love lainey’s hat!

    Reply
  49. tracyallegre says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    Lainey is such a wonderful big sister! Kelle, throw us some photo tips and tricks please. These pictures are great!

    Reply
  50. Brandy Jane Mabel says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    So so sweet! I don’t think we have anywhere similar here.. My daughter would love it! I’m so glad she’s a girly girl. Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, so we shal EAT and soak in time with family!

    Reply
  51. Heather Schaffer says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Dinner date with my fiance tonight…totally wearing red lipstick and then apple picking and engagement pictures this weekend. Loveee me some Fall!

    Reply
  52. Jen says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    I love how you find the most off the wall places and own them.

    This weekend is Thanksgiving so we will be eating a butt load of food, going apple picking and finally I will get to taste some local apple cider.

    Reply
  53. paige says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    The picture of nella peeking over the plate is so sweet!
    Weekend plans: Canadian thanksgiving. Vacuuming to keep warm & getting ready for my daddy to come visit us.

    Reply
  54. Jill Lauren Schilb says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Beautiful cloud beach pic!!
    My hubby and I have a date at the Arkansas Razorback football game vs Auburn tomorrow!! Woo pig sooie!

    Reply
  55. The Annessa Family says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    That hairstyle in your phone dump was pretty rockin’!!!

    Brooke
    http://www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com

    Reply
  56. Mom Fashion World says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  57. Mom Fashion World says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Another Beautiful Pictures!

    http://www.momfashionworld.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  58. melifaif says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    Such a charming and fancy time, indeed!!! I always enjoy reading your happenings. I am shooting my very 1st wedding this weekend…and to say I am nervous is grossly understated!!!!! I swaeting like whore in church. Sorry. But I am. Bad!!!! But….I will no doubt take part in the Dove Self Esteem Weekend. Going to check out ideas now….my baby girl – with beautiful red curlz asked me to “momma, please cut off all my crazy culy hair….so I can have hair like Emma!” She just turned 4. And this broke my heart……

    Happy weekend and thank you…for just being YOU!!!!

    Reply
  59. Small Town Joy: says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    I am so in love with your Friday phone dumps. I look forward to them all week.

    My 11 month old girl has been invited to her first proper birthday party this weekend, and it’s a rock star party no less.

    Rock on, sister, rock on…

    Reply
  60. Hidalina says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    Everyone looked so pretty and proper with their satin gloves on. There should me more tea rooms available!

    Reply
  61. Kathy says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    I have a real soft spot for high tea and little girls! My daughter and I have gone to a few places for high tea and even did a tea party for her 8th birthday. I will never forget having 12 little girls, in their party dresses, sitting like ladies and sticking out their pinkies while drinking from fine china and eating finger sandwiches. It was adorable and your pictures brought it all back to me! Glad a good time was had by all. Wishing you a lovely weekend!

    Reply
  62. teal915 says

    October 7, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    We do a “proper tea” at our church once a year. And let me tell you, that devonshire cream is crazy, stinkin’ good. If there wasn’t a room full of people around, I might just dig my finger in and lick it all up lol. But that wouldn’t be proper “proper tea” etiquette, would it? I haven’t taken my 5 year old to one yet, because it’s pretty $$ around here to go to a tea room, but I’ve been thinking about making her birthday party a tea party. We’ll see.

    Reply
  63. Mindy says

    October 7, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Adorable! I can not wait for my Little to be a bit bigger. Now, she would be a bull in that tea room.

    Reply
  64. Jennifer says

    October 7, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    Oh my goodness, I LOVE the tea room photos. How fun!! I so wish I had a little girl and could do “girly” stuff like that. Beautiful photographs, as always!! πŸ™‚

    Weekend plans…I am getting all dressed up in a bit to go on a hot date tonight with my hunk of a husband! It’s been weeks since we had a date. We have reservations at this fancy steakhouse in town we’ve never tried before. And, hopefully, a movie afterwards. If we can keep our eyes open after dinner…we’re getting kind of old like that. Boo!!

    Happy Friday!
    ~jennifer

    Reply
  65. aprilanecdotes says

    October 7, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    When my oldest daughter turned 9 we had a ‘tea party’ for her birthday. Everyone wore a dress and we served cucumber and watercress sandwiches, tea and cake. It was a totally different party atmosphere. So much fun!

    Reply
  66. Brylee's mama says

    October 7, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    What fun!! The girls (and you too!) look beautiful! Something to look forward to trying some day when my daughter is a little older!

    This weekend the kids are going to Grandma and Grandpa’s, and hubby and I are headed up to Traverse City for a wknd getaway. Hoping to see some beautiful fall colors and have some fun adult time!

    Reply
  67. Suzanne says

    October 7, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    Speaking of girls, I’ll be taking my soon-to-be 14 year old daughter clothes shopping this weekend. It’s not something we do often, but when we do, we make an entire day of it!

    Reply
  68. Lesley, Dennis, Landon, and Natalee "Lou" says

    October 7, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    This weekend I will be joining the hot and sexy women πŸ˜‰ of broward county, wearing our pink bras and walking/running for breast cancer! For all those who have fought, continue to fight, and will fight in the future; I am walking for them!
    Cannot wait to have tea with my little girl soon! Just precious!

    Reply
  69. Sandy says

    October 7, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    I love this post!

    My only weekend plans are to rest as I have just finished round 3 of chemo this week. I’m kicking some breast cancer butt!

    Have a great weekend! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  70. Carrie says

    October 7, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    This post gave me chills…I LOVE proper tea parties!! I think gloves and hats need to make a comeback in everyday attire!! That looked like such a cool place!!
    It’s Thanksgiving weekend up here in Canada, and the weather is beautiful…like early summer. Not very turkey-y, but we’ll take it over snow!!
    Have a mahvelous weekend!!

    Reply
  71. The Hartsfield Family says

    October 7, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    I’ve gotta find us one of those Tea Party places! The girls looked DI-vine! And don’t think I missed that photo of you with the medusa like hairdo in a sea of kiddos and their pumpkin patch fun and travels. HAHA! HILARIOUS!

    Whether’s it’s fancy or just plain fun and ordinary — I wish you and your family a HAPPY WEEKEND! xo

    Reply
  72. Sarah says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:06 am

    We did that for the first time on Anna Cate’s 5th birthday. Our weekend plans include soccer, farmer’s market, college football and a day trip Sunday to an apple orchard here in Virginia for apple picking and home style meal! I too love Fall and am so impressed by your knack for creating it where you are. Cheers…

    Reply
  73. besta says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:12 am

    Love Lainey’s dress. Then I realized my daughter has almost the exact same dress. It was custom made by my sister-in-laws friend. Maybe it’s the same person?

    Weekend plans it’s our 6 year anniversary. We are going to the first restaurant we went to as a married couple. I am excited but scared. It will be the first time our daughter (15mos) will be going to bed without me. I know she will be fine – it’s me I’m worried about πŸ™‚

    Reply
  74. Sarah says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:13 am

    I have always wanted to taste raspberry cordial…..
    My mother and daughter visit a tea room once every few months. It is absolutely the highlight of my little girl’s month.

    Reply
  75. juli (sweetpz) says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:17 am

    Did someone say tea? My almost 5 yr old daughter tea parties all the time and even makes her little brother participates! hehe

    Weekend plans? Thanksgiving Dinner for us Canadians =D
    Meaning lots and lots of food, and lots of family time.
    hugs
    juli

    Reply
  76. Love is all you need says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:39 am

    I so wish I had sweet girls to have tea parties with! I don’t think my 3 year old, definition of a boy would go for it. But for now we are headed to Disneyland to see that boys face light up with magical wonderment! Can’t wait!

    Reply
  77. Kelly Cach says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:42 am

    Aaahh! I love the waitress at the tea room! She looks authentic, like her name would be Evangeline or Daphne (Gabe actually wanted to name Nora, “Evangeline”…cute, eh?)

    *A lemon & currant scone is my favorite flavor with Devonshire cream! I have an elderly friend who makes them yearly :).

    *What a precious memory you’ve just made for your girls. LOVE.

    *Nella peeking up over her plate….Slay me! I know those eyes πŸ˜‰

    *Plans this weekend:
    1. Going to the “Red Barn Craft Fair” where I’m hoping there will be antique things to drool over. 2. Cheering my big boy on in 2 soccer games.
    3. Taking photos for a high school Homecoming couple. And…
    4. Taking a trip to Wilson-Banner Ranch for their pumpkin patch and harvest celebration! FUN FILLED WEEKEND!

    Blessings~
    Kelly

    Reply
  78. Small Town Girl says

    October 8, 2011 at 12:50 am

    Apple picking! Oh the joys of living in Vermont, fall is all around!

    Love your tea party, such a great thing for your girls! Lainey clearly loved it!!

    Reply
  79. chichomeschooler says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:01 am

    Hi Kelle, we are super excited for this weekend. We are celebrating our Buddy Walk in Asheville, NC tomorrow. We are Team Starshine!!! And my girl is the star of the day. That is what she keeps telling me. And I keep telling her she is a star everyday. Hope you guys have a great weekend.

    Reply
  80. It's A Love Story says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:12 am

    OMG so cute I love the dressees!

    Reply
  81. Helen says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:16 am

    I love the fact you love Devonshire cream!!
    I am from a town in Devon in the UK called Torquay. It’s a little beach side town and I think you would fit in just prefect there!!

    Man, I miss Devon. Beautiful pictures as always.

    Reply
  82. Life with Kaishon says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:25 am

    I took Kaishon and some random neighborhood children to Montco gym tonight. It was delightful. They jumped and climbed and laughed. I loved every moment. I miss the moments of little that you get to have every day. I miss them so much. This growing up thing is very hard. Harder on me than him I sometimes think.

    I don’t know what we are doing this weekend besides acting class, photo shoots, church : ) you know…the normal weekend things.

    Wishing you a happy weekend in Florida.

    Reply
  83. Samantha says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:35 am

    I now can not wait until my daughter is old enough to enjoy something like this! How very cool.

    Reply
  84. Live*Laugh*Love says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:37 am

    Hey my name is Tara. I am a new follower on your blog site would you be so kind & follow me back πŸ™‚

    thanks

    Tara

    Reply
  85. Kat says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:53 am

    Oh, how lovely it is to sip tea. This is why I need a little girl. I love tea parties!

    “Childhood is such a magical place…it’s a shame it doesn’t last forever.
    …or does it?” I’m putting that in my quote journal!

    Magical it is, indeed.

    Reply
  86. If These Walls Spoke... says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:08 am

    Perfect! Loved the tea pics πŸ™‚

    Reply
  87. Diana says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:14 am

    ohhh I love high tea !! happy weekend to you and your girls. πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  88. Jamie says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:37 am

    What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with your girls! And I can’t wait to plan a fun outing with my baby (21-yr-old) sister later this month! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  89. Melissa says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:43 am

    I’m reading this post from dsneyland b/c that’s how addicted I am! So that is my hot weekend plan. Spending quality time with my kids at the happiest place on earth πŸ™‚

    Reply
  90. Simply B says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:51 am

    Adorable. Simply adorable!

    Reply
  91. The Beauty In Me says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:54 am

    HOW CUTE ARE THE GIRLS? I LOVE THE IDEA TO TAKE GIRLS TO REAL TEA PARTY

    COME VISIT AND FIND OUT THE REAL DEAL
    http://WWW.STAYYOUNGFOREVER.BLOGSPOT.COM

    Reply
  92. Katie says

    October 8, 2011 at 3:08 am

    OH how cute that place is! What a fun day! What a great memory to make with your girls!

    Reply
  93. Evie says

    October 8, 2011 at 3:25 am

    You would so love my weekend plans!! Heading to northern Michigan for a good ‘ole fall festival. Complete with corn maze and pumpkin chucking across the river.

    Reply
  94. RD says

    October 8, 2011 at 3:30 am

    Love your blog. I have shared it with many friends. My hot weekend plans involve driving from Kentucky to Indiana to watch my husband compete in a three-mile obstacle course called “Mud-Stash.” I’ll be toting my sweet, 9-month old boy, Hank. I hope watching this event entertains us both, but I have lots of snacks and toys as a back up. These weekend plans are definitely hot because we’ve had an October heat wave and it’s supposed to be in the 80’s. – Emily Davis

    Reply
  95. Peeper says

    October 8, 2011 at 3:57 am

    This post jogged a total fly-by memory: My mom and I went to England together once. Her only overseas trip ever, it was a dream-come-true for her. While we were there we had a formal tea since it was something she always wanted to do. She loved it.
    When she moved to Naples (out toward Golden Gate, which is ironic since I live in San Francisco) she talked about going for a tea there but she never did it – not even when I came to visit did she want to go…

    Our weekend includes a fundraiser on Saturday morning followed by a Blue Angels air show with friends. Ada and I went to the marina today to watch them practice…ugh! I can’t get enough no matter how many times I see them!! Sunday I’m working and husband is all daddy all day long! It’s good for him πŸ™‚

    Reply
  96. niki-jean says

    October 8, 2011 at 3:58 am

    Canuck Thanksgiving aka a tryptophan-induced-coma! There’s nothing like a fabulous high tea!

    Reply
  97. Rebekah says

    October 8, 2011 at 4:11 am

    I love having tea! So much fun πŸ™‚ Lainey looks adorable!!

    Reply
  98. Louise says

    October 8, 2011 at 4:13 am

    Being British, I LOVE it! Can’t wait to take my girl in her fancy pants to our local tea room and my son who says daily “Can I finish your tea mama?” I actually just took some cute pictures of him drinking tea from his Peter Rabbit mug, well he is half British! I need that ‘make tea, not war’ poster.

    Reply
  99. simplysarah says

    October 8, 2011 at 5:19 am

    this is just fantastic! I need to find a tea room near me! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  100. Shauna says

    October 8, 2011 at 5:49 am

    Oh Anne of Green Gables…I can’t wait till my girls are old enough to read it. Tea may now be on the agenda for tomorrow!

    Reply
  101. Claire @ Scissors Paper Rock says

    October 8, 2011 at 11:07 am

    ‘Oh hello dahling…what a glorious post my dear!” πŸ™‚
    Kelle, you’ve inspired me….i want to get my girl some satin gloves & get our ‘tea’ on NOW!!! We often have tea parties at home…just her & I…with fresh flowers & real tea cups & love heart shaped sandwiches….but now I want to take it that little bit further!! I want to go to a real tea room & do it in style! You’ve inspired me…thank you :))))
    And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the photo of the love heart cloud & sun streaks at the beach….OMG….perfection!! Happy weekend Kelle!
    xo

    Reply
  102. Anne says

    October 8, 2011 at 11:24 am

    The photo of Nella on the swing–LOVE IT. We have a tea room here in the Bluegrass state but I doubt my boys would want to participate πŸ™ Thank goodness for nieces!

    Reply
  103. loxiemom says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    How much fun are you as a mom? Totally awesome! This weekend we are going to the beach to have an old-fashioned clam bake. Seaweed, rocks, & charcoal in the fire pit to cook lobsters, clams, mussels, corn, and potatoes. With lots of butter, of course! Thanks for your beautiful blog.

    Reply
  104. clau says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Such a lovely tea afternoon and what beautiful ladies ahahaha!!!They are so adorable!Love teatime!!
    Xoxo from Italy

    Reply
  105. thehootingmind says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    this is so fantastic…a live story book…the background is very inspiring…the colors are soothing…life is really good πŸ™‚

    Reply
  106. ari says

    October 8, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Have a good weekend sweet girls!

    Reply
  107. TRB Holt says

    October 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Shucks! YOU stole my line…..I’ll say it anyways….Pip Pip, Cheerio!

    xoxo,
    Bug & Ruby’s Gram

    Reply
  108. Skye says

    October 8, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    now i want to have a tea party. love your beautiful words and photos….as usual πŸ™‚

    Reply
  109. Melina says

    October 8, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Oh Kelle. You make me miss my own mom, and our lavish Christmas teas and light pink summertime teas…we have so many tea memories together, I’m so happy you guys have started this tradition.
    And now…to call my mom.
    xo
    Melina

    Reply
  110. Katherines Corner says

    October 8, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    You would low England ( where I am from) . I enjoyed the photos of your beautiful tea party. Did you have cucumber sandwiches? They are my most favorite of all xo

    Reply
  111. Denise in London says

    October 8, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I am an American expat living in England. Going home (Charleston, SC) for a week next month to spend time with my daughter and my grandsons: twins (age 10) and their older brother (age 12). One of the things on my To Do list with them is to take them to Afternoon Tea. Growing up, they always had tea at my house and when I left, I gave each of them their own special teacup.

    Reply
  112. Laura says

    October 8, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    Omigoodness you are my hero! I LOVE the tea party pics – especially the little gloves. What a wonderful wonderful memory to have (and maybe repeat?)

    Reply
  113. mumofsix says

    October 8, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Hello Kelle. I have only just discovered your blog and I am so happy I did. I live in England with my husband and 6 children. I have found your blog truly inspiring. I have really taken Lainey and Nella to my heart. What gorgeous children they are. And how lucky to have you as their mother. Just love the pictures of you all having tea. As I have got older tea has become more and more important to me. Now I can’t live without my Lady Grey! Would have loved to have heard your English accents. Today my daughter and I were out buying cake supplies when I spotted some imported marshmallow Fluff. We had to try some, just should have tried out our american accents too! With love to you all, Sarah in the UK x

    Reply
  114. Nf1andprek-whisper says

    October 8, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    we have a few tea rooms.. but alas I have a boy… I also love the white pumpkins.. you have those in florida.. you lucky girl… got mine… for my wedding from california….

    Reply
  115. Melissa says

    October 9, 2011 at 12:19 am

    Weekend Plans:

    Saturday:
    2 Harvest Festivals, which ROCKED

    Sunday
    Climb To Conquer Cancer
    We are volunteering in the morning and will be passing out Starbucks to the volunteers and then at noon I’ll be hiking up Manashtash Ridge to raise money for Cancer Awareness/Research!

    Reply
  116. Live.Love.Laugh. says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:57 am

    Hot weekend plans? Tonight I told the bartender at the wedding I was attending, “I have a 7 month old and a designated driver! top me off!” However, I think my tipsy driving would have been better than my mama’s sober driving! LOL

    Reply
  117. ~KC: says

    October 9, 2011 at 2:45 am

    Loved this post and your “Bringing Fall: Hallmark” post! I just LOVE the way you love your girls…Their childhood chapters will be full of love and beauty…I “know” your girls will always feel loved. :)))

    I will be with walking with you and your loved ones, in spirit, on 10/22 and will be definitely helping you support the NDSS by donating to “Nella’s Rockstars fund”! So happy you are part of the Infantino and Step 2 Toys “Just BeCause campaign”! Once again, thank you so much for all you do for individuals with Down syndrome. Your beautiful words and pictures not only continue to inspire others, they also continue to open minds and change hearts all over the world.

    Xox…Much love~

    “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” ~Edith Wharton

    ps: I feel you are both, the candle and the mirror…

    Reply
  118. Evelyn Louise says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:54 am

    OH MY~ Totally not related to the Dove thing, but completely jiving with their theme… I’m hosting a Girls Only Lock-in at my church on Oct 21. I work with teens each summer putting on a musical and this fall, I have just been feeling led to make some real connections with the girls currently in our program, so we’re going to keep them involved throughout the year… starting with attending each other’s school events (we’ve done some games to watch some of the girls play), and next up is this lock-in with the theme LOVE IS LOUDER (stolen from the actual movement and using the actual movement in part of our night).

    I want these teenage girls to know that they are amazing… with an even brighter future ahead of each of them then they can imagine.

    So cool…

    Reply
  119. catalyticx3 says

    October 9, 2011 at 5:33 am

    Love it! πŸ™‚ One of my friends recently did a high tea (proper tea) service for her birthday… so it’s definitely fun for all ages! Is there any way you could add links for where you buy YOUR clothes for each blog entry? Or honestly if that’t too much trouble just do a quick FAQ about where you usually buy your clothes? You’re amazing!!

    Reply
  120. Taz Bear says

    October 9, 2011 at 11:02 am

    I have been following your blog for a few months now after stumbling upon it by chance. I absolutely LOVE the world you live in and every time I read an entry I wish that I could steal just a tiny piece of that world. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you. True English Afternoon tea is one of my most favourite past times and living in England I try to steal a moment to indulge as often as possible πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing with us. Just beautiful!!

    Reply
  121. Shannon says

    October 9, 2011 at 11:08 am

    Thanks for this great post!! My sister and I live across the world from one another (she’s in California, I’m in Northern Ireland) so keeping up with each others’ lives takes added effort! We’ve recently taken to sending “Make _____ Not War” stickers to each other (her most recent one to me was Make Cupcakes Not War from a bakery in Santa Barbara). You can betcha bottom dolla that I just went online and bought the Make Tea Not War sticker you took a picture of! Thank you for that!!

    Hope you have a great Sunday πŸ™‚

    Reply
  122. lisa says

    October 9, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Awesome as usual. May I ask a favor, pretty please? πŸ™‚ I would love it if you would do a post(s) where the pics are captioned with settings/lenses used to capture images. You know, in all your spare time. πŸ˜‰ That would rock, dah-ling!!

    Reply
  123. Emma says

    October 9, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    That is such a cute idea and how elegant are those girls??!!! xx

    Reply
  124. Brit Girl says

    October 9, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    Love this, obviously. Lady, when are you and your girlies coming to England? Like, for real. We got tea rooms aplenty. We got the chilly weather. We got old buildings. We got all manner of shops selling knick-knacks that you’d want to buy. We got two gorgeous girlies (if I do say so myself) who’d love to play with your gorgeous girlies. What’s not to love? Have a super week, dahling!

    Reply
  125. Bwendo says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:02 am

    Love the gloves – my girls would work them too..

    Reply
  126. WeeMama says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:13 am

    I live on Prince Edward Island, the “home” of Anne of Green Gables. I used to work at the Anne store where you dressed in period clothes each day, while selling cordial and listening to the soundtrack to the movie and musical. I look forward to taking my daughter to see the musical for the first time and watching her cry when Matthew dies. It is a rite of passage. This summer we visited an attraction “Avonlea Village” where there was one giant room full of dress up clothes. The girl’s may have never left – let alone the Mom’s! We had a delightful picnic in the garden and we plan to make this an annual Mother/Daughter day.

    Reply
  127. Stef says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:19 am

    I want to do this idea with my girls! I’m not a “delicate” woman at all – definitely would rather play volley ball in the mud, but I think these little mother daughter outings are so fun for our girls and good for them too. Teaching them how to be little ladies. Super cute. Loved the photos!

    Reply
  128. Jessie says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:56 am

    Could you look anymore fabulous (“dah-ling”) with those aviators and red lipstick?!

    Reply
  129. Molly says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:58 am

    Oh my goodness. I might die from the cuteness that is that tea room.

    See, this is the only reason I sometimes get down about being a boy mom. I love love love my boys and all the dirt that comes with them. But there will be no tea parties. Maybe someday I’ll make them have one just for me!

    Those patent leather shoes and tights. . . that is exactly what I pictured buying if my babies had been girls. You can’t get more girlie than that πŸ™‚

    Reply
  130. Kammy says

    October 10, 2011 at 4:20 am

    We lived in a small town in Northern AZ for 4 1/2 years. They had a great tea room where my friends and I would often meet for tea and lunch. I was so excited to take my daughter there for Mother’s Day tea when she was just shy of 3 years old. My mom was there, as well, so it was really special. My daughter loved the tea but not the food. Oh well, I still have photos and fond memories of our time there. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  131. Moosefan says

    October 10, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Look who won the memories jackpot this weekend?!! Oh trust me girl when I say that you will have many many more jackpots in yall’s future!

    Reply
  132. Deb says

    October 10, 2011 at 10:29 am

    A proper tea party! How simply fabulous! LOVE LOVE seeing little girls be little girls!! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  133. Farmgirl Paints says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    love the one of nella on your lap…you trying to get her to try something. sweet pics girlie. looked like a lovely way to spend the day:)

    Reply
  134. Rivers says

    October 10, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Sounds like a lovely date! That’s a great idea too. I got to watch my boyfriend and two of his friends run in the Chicago Marathon this weekend! It was a fun, quick trip. I even got to run the last two miles with him! It inspired me to run a half marathon.. we’ll see how that goes!

    Reply
  135. Patty @ A Day in My NYC says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    Makes me want to go find a tea room in NYC! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  136. Z says

    October 11, 2011 at 3:50 am

    Tea rooms are fabulous! I adore the pictures. And in case you are interested and would ever want to drive up to Mt. Dora, they probably have the most darling tea room out there. You wont want to leave! My girls had a blast there. Check out this post on my site, it will give you an idea of what it looks like πŸ™‚

    http://www.diaryofmamadrama.com/2011/07/29/cup-of-earl-grey/

    Reply
  137. genderist says

    October 11, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    This is so awesome that it’s almost magical.

    Reply
  138. Missy says

    October 12, 2011 at 3:53 am

    I am soooo looking forward to your Dove post! I STILL read the one you wrote last year!!!

    Reply
  139. Jessie says

    October 12, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I hope I can be as amazing of a mom as you are someday. Love your blog.
    thejessicaharmon.blogspot.com

    Reply
  140. Patty says

    October 13, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    I can’t wait to be a grandma!! And I’m only 41!! I want to do this with a granddaughter since my daughter was never into “girly” things. I am praying my granddaughters will be like me, frilly, girly, purse-toting, tea partying, dahlings!

    Reply

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