for many reasons the upcoming season is one of my favorite times of the year (next to christmas of course).  lots of good things happened in the fall - i married my best friend on a beautiful fall evening that couldn't have been any better. . .  our precious baby girl was born on a sunny late fall afternoon.  something about the feeling & smells of fall just make me happy!  it's still hot here, but the breeze in the air tells me it's right around the corner & i'm ready!  

it was so nice this past saturday night sitting outside at the town green listening to the music festival with my family.  sipping a glass of wine while watching my daughter dance barefoot in the grass, was a fabulous way to spend an evening.  it's those little moments, the ones that just happen & don't take much thought or work, that end up meaning the most.  those are the ones that i hope i can catalog in my mind.  i worry that i'll forget even the littlest moment. . .   

but not these. . .

fall is coming . . .  i couldn't be happier!  it's one of my favorite times of the year.  the past couple days have been fairly pleasant, compared to the usual 97 we've been enduring for quite some time.  just in time for us to replace 'BOTH' our airconditioning units . . .  oh, the joy of owning a home.  

we did enjoy a quick 'end of summer' trip to hilton head last weekend.  isabella enjoyed the beach, pool and the horse stables at sea pines. . .  we're already ready to go back.  

 

bellaism

 

i have to share a conversation i had with isabella saturday night while reading our books & rocking before bed.  she accidently scratched my hand when reaching for a book on her nightstand table & i said 'ouch, we need to trim your nails, you accidently scratched mommy'.  . .  she was quiet for a minute then said 'i almost lost mommy. . .  i ripped you'.  we giggled together after i assured her that mommy's not like a balloon.  she is too funny!

ms. mona & 'baby james', as isabella calls him, came to visit with us friday afternoon.  ms. mona was bella's nanny before little james arrived.  can't believe how big he's gotten & he's so quick!  he certainly keeps her very busy.  we've stayed in touch with mona & talk about her often (mona & baby james are in bella's prayers every night).  it's always great to catch up with her & hear about what she's doing.  these pics are adorable, i could just eat him up!!

i started a project this weekend, in between going to the pool & all of the other various activities we have going on here on a daily basis.  i decided to begin painting (freshen up) all of the white paint in my kitchen.  anyone who's seen my kitchen knows that this is a big task.  we have white trim, molding, wainscoting & cabinets & there's a lot of all of it.  white gets dingy over the years & it's been driving me insane for awhile.  i do love to paint (when i'm in the mood), so rather than pay someone i've decided to take it on myself even though it will take awhile (i'm only able to paint during isabella's naps & at night after she's gone to bed).  what i've completed so far looks so much better & is well worth the hard work.  i love the sense of accomplishment & will be thrilled when it's completed. 

i'll keep you updated on my progress . . . happy painting! 

we're enjoying our summer & trying to not let the heat keep us from doing things.  last weekend we headed out to 'the yellow river game ranch' for part of the day.  it's essentially a 'petting zoo', but we were pleasantly surprised to see quite a bit of the animals freely roaming around.  isabella loved the deer & one in particular became fast friends with her.  it was hot, but most of the trails were shaded.  i just love watching her experience new things everyday & how amazed she is with her surroundings. . .  each day i love her more & more!  

best friends!

s

  

a sneak preview of the fun we had over the weekend. . .