Hooray for Autumn!

October Greetings!!!

Hey. What was that blinding color of flash and light?

Not sure. But we think it was summer. It flew up and into the air, like some exotic bird, flapping her wings madly to catch a brief but glorious view of sky. Summer reverie.

Glimpses of our summer...

hammock time at Sue and Shirley's

Kayaking on Holland Lake, Montana.


Puddle jumping!

Popsicles!! All day...any day. Snack of choice. Breakfast of champions.

And wonderful time spent with grandparents both in Wisconsin and Montana. (pictures coming!) (Sorry! A certain little boy discovered my camera and deleted all summer photos!)


But no matter how deep our hopeful sighing, summer drew to a close. Ross and I begrudgingly returned to our classrooms. Barely a blink of an eye, and our summer of the eternal Popsicle melted. Enter autumn - which had been waiting very patiently and VERY closely, in the wings this summer. Her damp anxious breath and heavy dark clouds barely needing any coaxing out at all, really. Blammo. Autumn rains take center stage. Which was a relief to the summer rain. She needed a break, I guess.

Some people I know were really excited about the change of seasons...




And when Autumn rains decided to take a little break, we head for our canoe. Who couldn't be excited about a Chaney canoe float? Wildcat Cove on a beautiful Saturday afternoon...





Daddy pointing out flora, fauna and wild critters
Purple Starfish


Camouflage seagulls




Autumn colors creeping into the pacific northwest


No canoe float is complete until Jojo can throw rocks for a while. Happy boy. And an end to a perfect afternoon.




And of course, another yearly trip to our favorite pumpkin patch!






Peering at animals at the petting farm...

We've grown since last year!


Taking a break with hot dogs, pie and hot chocolate

Not sure what to make of the saddled, metal, thing...


Surprise!


Woah! Check it out!!


Happy with their pumpkins.




So much ahead. Pumpkin carving, costume parties, gatherings of good friends in our new warm house, and the bright lights of the holidays await.

On a somber note, we grieve our losses too. 2 weeks ago, our beloved cat Fozwig, cherished companion and forever friend lost his battle with illness. We lost him on a Sunday night, and buried him under an elder tree in our front yard on Monday. I am slightly comforted to know that he is still near us. Though our house feels a little more empty, our lives will be forever blessed to have known him and to have held him in our lives for 13 years.

Safe journeys Fozwig.

And blessings to everyone for a wonderful autumn.