Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to pay tribute to the enchanting season that is upon us–the season of gatherings and goblins, cable knits and cardigans, savoring scents and simmering soups. I miss my Michigan home more than ever this time of year, but I know how to create what my heart desires. My mom has always been able to cobble together the most random leftovers to yield impressive feasts; I’ve managed to spin our summer’s-end sweltering temperatures into a festive fall feeling, laden with all the same delights of the north–minus the blessed chill of a late September walk beneath the canopy of scarlet maples.

(We have our leaves shipped to us every year).

One way we’ve really made Autumn come alive is our annual Fall Bucket List. As with our other bucket lists, we put a lot of time and thought into creating a list of little things we want to do–things that will make us happy, things that are easy to accomplish and things that we might forget to do if we didn’t put them on a list. We print our list 16 x 20, display it in a central area of our home and make checking it off an enthusiastic family affair. And we love sharing it with you.

With no further ado, the 2019 Fall Bucket List. Download and print your copy HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, FRAMED! (Fall 2019 Edition) starts Monday, September 23rd! This will be the fifth FRAMED! course. This round focuses on capturing the joy and beauty of the autumn season, getting YOU in more photos, plus the composition and story-telling elements that are at the foundation of all my photography courses. I hope you’ll join us! Learn more here.

And a blast from the past with some of our favorite fall memories:

I’m so excited to get this season started!

 

 

 

It had been a while since I sat down for a good editing session of personal photos, so last night when I finally carved out some time to go through the past few weeks worth of memories, it took me a minute to get over the itch to get up and do something else instead. I can definitely feel the poisonous effects of this instant gratification, get-it-done-quick culture when I attempt to sit down and focus for a while–even if it’s something I love to do–and editing our family memories is something I’ve always loved to do. But after I was sitting for a while and clicking through photos on my screen, I remembered why I love this so much–such gratitude for all these simple moments we’ve lived together the past few weeks and how suddenly the magic shines above the “Groundhog Day” cloud I was feeling just moments earlier from getting backpacks ready for another school week.

Sorting beach shell finds a few weeks go, on our garage floor.

There’s no rhyme or reason to these photos, and I’m not even going to attempt to weave them together with feigned transitions.

Some moments of note lately…

On Trumpeting
Lainey is playing the trumpet this year. I was overjoyed, of course, because I too played the trumpet when I was a kid, even landing a (poorly performed) solo–Scherzo by Shelukov–at the fifth grade band concert. After half a semester though, Lainey decided that she “hates that stupid thing” and has no interest in pursuing further middle school band dreams. Being that she has to lug a large ugly suitcase to and from school every day in addition to the already ridiculously oversized backpack with the largest binder known to mankind, and the fact that trumpet spit must be drained during practice, Brett and I fully support her trumpet career retirement. Also, in case you were wondering, whipping out your middle school daughter’s trumpet and saying “Hey, want to see if I still got it?” when her friends are over is the fastest way to elicit a facial reaction that clearly says “STFU, Mom.” This will be the one and only photo we captured of her playing the trumpet. We will pull this out at family reunions someday.

On Quality Parent Moments
I’d like to submit this evidence–my kid, barefoot on a train track (we never did find her flip-flops that day), holding a grape Fanta. You’re welcome.

On Milestones
“I’m taking these training wheels off if you want to come get pictures,” Brett yelled into the house from the garage. So I scrambled for my camera and met them outside. We knew it was time, and we suspected exactly what happened…that with one guided push, he’d confidently take off on his own and never look back. There’s something about watching your husband let go of your last baby as he pedals down the sidewalk, squealing with laughter, bursting with pride.

On Last Minute Plans To Book It With Your Best Friend
We are very good at spontaneous adventures–we’ve been having them for eleven years now. The rule is always low expectations and go with the flow. The result is always some kind of “What were we thinking?” story as proven this time, on our 3-day Tampa trip, by the numerous times we threatened to turn around and go home. But the greater result is memories–hilarious, bonding, wouldn’t-want-it-any-other-way memories.

We brought scooters for the kids (the best!) and spent most of our days walking beside them through Hyde Park, along the bay, up and down streets with ivy-covered homes with big front porches and friendly dogs who greeted us.

We stopped at parks…

Spent an afternoon at the museum…

Sat on hot pavement while we watched the kids cool off in the splash pad…

…and made long relaxed visits to Tampa’s family-friendly hangouts. Armature Works…

…Hyde Park Village, Sparkman Wharf and Oxford Exchange.

Dash asked if he could take a few pictures at Oxford Exchange. This is one of the clearer ones:

When we weren’t scootering around the city, we cozied up in our Airbnb which didn’t exactly turn out as it was advertised, but it did have an outdoor fireplace and beautiful morning light in the kitchen.

My Fair Family
Spring wouldn’t be spring without our annual tradition of hitting the Collier County Fair. Everything there has been the same for all the years we’ve been coming–same rides, same funnel cake stands, same taco truck where we order the same thing every year and ask diners at another picnic table if we can steal the taco sauce bottle because there’s always only one.

Even the the sweet lady who attends the women’s bathroom is the same every year (Yes! Our fairgrounds bathroom has a bathroom attendant!). The only thing that changes is us. This year, Brett’s sister joined our fair crew (she moved here from Chicago late last year, and it’s so nice having more family here!).

It rained, and I complained–and legit held a grudge against Brett for a good half hour because he swore it wouldn’t rain, and predicting the weather is his specialty. His response: “Kelle, I’m not God.” I got over it.

Dash was unstoppable this year, attempting every single ride he could–full throttle.

Lainey nervously watched him on a questionable stomach-drop, has-this-thing-been-inspected-lately?! ride…

…while I tried to flag down my dad, mouthing “Get him off.” But he loved it and everyone lived to tell.

Our little family has stamped so many memories on these grounds. And somewhere, buried under this dirt, is Lainey’s first tooth she ever lost.

Spring Forward
And now here we are–it’s April!

…and everything seems to start speeding up double time come April so that summer will be here before we know it.

When the world speeds up, we push back by slowing down a bit. More afternoon tea, driveway sidewalk chalk therapy, family walks, weekend Farmer’s markets, brunches with friends, sunsets at the beach, shell sorting sessions in the garage, books read out loud and favorite playlists on repeat in the kitchen as we clean and cook and carry on…making our own little celebrations every day.

Happy April! There are good things to come.

Happy Monday! It’s our first day back from Spring Break, and we are consequently doing what everyone else does on the first day back–dreaming about our next break. We have to hold out a little longer this year with Easter being so late, but that gives us more time to plan Easter fun and festivities and enjoy all the pastels and spring-themed beauties out there which include but are not limited to the following: Peeps in the grocery aisles, tulips at Trader Joe’s, the switch from red to ballet pink nail polish, straw hats, spring cleaning, Saltwater sandals and blooming trees. With those loves comes our Easter traditions, and my kids are counting down the days.

Easter baskets are right up there with Christmas stockings–something I take so much delight in filling with perfect little things I know my kids will love.

As always, I spent far too much time searching the Internet high and low for meaningful treasures my kids will love and share them in hopes your kids will love them too. With no further ado, the 2019 Easter Basket Filler List:

 

1. 1. Mystery Metallics  – Lainey’s all into the artsy things, so word has it the Easter Bunny is stocking her  basket with these gel crayons this year. They’re made with a waxy gel that looks white but magically turns into metallic colors when used on black paper (see #7). Or you can add a wet paintbrush to see them transform to watercolors.
   2.  Magic Puffy Pens – Draw with these pens, let the ink dry and then add hairdryer heat to watch your writing magically puff out into 3-d art.
   3. Automoblox Mini Sedan – Have you seen these? Soooo cute! They’re made of beechwood, and kids can build and take apart the wheels and windows or switch out parts with other cars. And there are so many different ones you can collect.
   4. Old Navy Flip-flops – These are basket staples for us. Super inexpensive and available in so many cute spring cute prints.
   5. Heart-shaped Sunglasses – Spring fashion must-haves with sunnier days around the bend.
   6. Fox and Raccoon – Blame it on my dollhousing obsession and the critter families that have taken up residence in their new abode, but the detailed scenes in this book created by felt artist Leslie-Anne Green will simply delight kids. Kids love miniatures! Kids love critters! Kids love tiny animals wearing pants!
   7. Black Paper Sketchbook – Corresponds with #1 – a fun way to take art beyond basic white paper and paints.
   8. Magna Shapes – The colors of this abstract jigsaw puzzle are beautiful, and the best part? All the pieces are magnetic, making this great for travel.
   9. Kids Writing Stationery – I remember being obsessed with stationery as a kid and wanting my very own letter-writing set. These adorable fold-and-send cards are great for any age and encourage meaningful correspondence. And did you see what stamps the USPS is releasing this year that would be perfect for these? SESAME STREET!
   10. Bunny Essential Oil Diffuser – If you’ve joined the essential oil band wagon (I have), check out this adorable little spring scene diffuser perfect for kids’ rooms. More miniatures! A tiny toadstool! Itty bitty succulents, I cannot
   11. Bunny Plush – I, of course, received my doctorate in Festive Holiday Studies; but have I told you I minored in Plush Animals? I did. Many hours of research in the Plush Bunny Lab, so I know what’s out there. This scrappy little Jellycat bunny is the sweetest offerings in the bunny plush world.
   12. Peter Rabbit Puzzle (60 piece) – We love doing puzzles over holiday breaks and have figured out that 60-100 piece puzzles are our favorites–easy enough for all the kids to stay involved and challenging enough for that good thrill rush when you find connecting pieces. We took this puzzle on our spring break trip, and it’s so beautiful — soft linen finish and gorgeous pastel colors.
   13. Zara Sandals – Our Easter baskets always include a few necessities for spring/summer — new bathing suits, sandals and underwear. I’m smitten with these leather sandals for girls.
   14. Calico Critter Bunny Family – You know how we feel about Calico Critters around here. Mrs. Hedgehog has settled in her new home but hasn’t met any new friends yet. Wait ’til she meets her new neighbor, Mrs. Rabbit. Her favorite movie is You’ve Got Mail too, and her kids are the same ages at the hedgehogs. Match made in heaven. They’ll be carpooling to soccer in no time.
   15. Spot It Jr. – Spot It! is one of our favorite travel games. We throw it in restaurant bags and bring it on trips. This Jr. version has more kid-themed pictures — super cute!
   16. Fried Egg and Bacon Earrings – For little pierced ears – food jewelry is hot right now. How fun are these breakfast earrings?
   17. Bunny Vans – When Vans meet Spring. Soft and fuzzy, these Vans are so cute, your kid’s going to want to look at her feet all day. Watch where you’re walking!
   18. Wooden Tetris – I’ve had this on lists before, but I’m throwing it back on because that’s how much we love it. We have two and always use them as competitions between two people to see who finishes their puzzle first.
   19. Kendama Game – This has Dash’s name all over it and as driven as he is to conquer and, he’ll be busy for hours with this baby and won’t quit until he wins.
   20. Dog-Gonnit! Game – We love everything Mudpuppy makes, and this game is no exception. A virtual dog-caring experience fun for the entire family.
   21. Pass the Pigs! Game – Another family favorite for us (and another fun one to throw in a restaurant bag or purse because it’s so portable). I love playing games with my kids but hate when they ask me to play something new that takes thirty minutes of reading directions to figure out how to play. This game is so easy to learn, super self-explanatory. You earn points by the way the little pigs fall when you roll them.
   22. Kids Electric Toothbrush – Bonus for filling the Easter basket with something practical they’ll use every day. My kids all received these from their grandma for Christmas, and they love them. They hold a charge for a long time, and they are so much more apt to remember to brush on their own with fun electric toothbrushes.
   23. We Are the Gardeners – The highly anticipated children’s book from Joanna Gaines and her family, this spring-themed story is perfect for Easter and filled with the most beautiful illustrations.
   24. Kids Paint by Numbers – This flower still life paint-by-number is easy enough for kids to paint and pretty enough to frame and hang in the house when it’s finished. They’ll be so proud of their work!
   25. Animalium Activity Book – The corresponding activity book to the gorgeous Animalium book is filled with animal-themed facts and puzzles that will keep kids busy for hours.