We've been doing our best, as we wait for winter to arrive (it's a little late this year) to get out and enjoy outside activity without the threat of frost-bite. You know, while we can. Normally, we would have gotten at least one, if not more, decent snowfalls by now. But the ground is still bare. The morning grass can trick me sometimes, with it's crunchy white frost. But it all melts away by mid morning. Jay is a little grumbly about it. He's been tuning up his gear, doing his best to wait patiently. But no worries. It's coming. There's no way around it.

One upside to no snow is that Jay is still around on the weekends. Once the mountains are open, there is no guarantee. Though he's usually pretty great about keeping the riding to the mornings and being back before nap-time. But we had Daddy all to ourselves this Saturday, so we made a trip out to one of our favorite playgrounds...conveniently next door to On The Rise Bakery.



Sam got to "pop popcorn" by placing a TON of pebbles on the rubber bridge and bounce, and bounce and bounce.



And Joe got to try out his new walking technique on uneven terrain.



Once the weather changes, I doubt we'll head out there. But it's a really great setup. On the Rise is in a converted farmhouse RIGHT NEXT to the town park and soccer fields. It should be a business model. Franchise it out. All you need is a double lot. Build a bakery/cafe on one, and an awesome playground on the other. Add some nice outdoor seating and trees, and the moms will flock.

I've added this idea to my ever growing businesses-that-should-exist list. Or products-that-should-exist list. I've recently crossed one off when I came across this while Christmas shopping. Only my idea was more a "what ever you want" instead of pigeon holeing it as a grocery or something. Look, it's a Post Office! Now? An Ice Cream Shoppe! Hm, perhaps there is still time to build my prototype.

Oh, one day...the same day I launch the instant-postcard-photobooth-machine at the National Parks. Look at me standing in front of Mount Rushmore! (complete with campy graphics). A little note and slap a stamp on it and, viola! Personalized souvenir. Then I would sell them to resorts...and tourist towns....I will be a millionare.

Then I can open my yarn shop.

And grilled cheese bar.

Gift Guide: The Joe Edition

So let's be honest. Joe doesn't know what's going on as far as Christmas and presents and all the yule tide hub bub. But what he does know? He knows that anything in this house is fair game for Sam. Therefore, most of the presents I have picked out are things that Sam will also like, and hopefully, not break.

Like this! Spinny for Joe, informative for Sam.






Everyone likes to pull stuff...



And push/stack/shake stuff..



I guess that's about it. There are loads of things out there, these are just a few that will be appreciated by both, I think.

Feel free to ignore any and all of these suggestions. As I said be before, we appreciate any little bit of generosity and don't really want to make Christmas all about the presents. But it is a little about the presents now isn't it?

Gift Guide: The Sam Edition

ATTENTION! this post is primarily for those looking to shop for birthday/christmas presents for Sam and Joe. Feel free to read on and peruse the goodies. I will also take any suggestions anyone may suggest. Comments are welcome!

It's hard to shop for kids from afar. When you don't know the space they live in very well, or their daily schedule it isn't always simple to know what will work for them and those who...ahem...live in proximity to them (meaning, Jay and I will choose any and all musical instruments. thank you...if you must, one provided below!). So, in order to make things a little easier, here are some suggestions.

Obviously, PLEASE please please feel free to get the kids whatever you want. This is not a mandate. Just a little helpful list. The boys, as well as Jay and I, are very appreciative of your thoughtful gifts no matter what form they may take.

First, Sam. Since he'll be 3 this year, he kinda knows what's going on. Presents are a much bigger deal to him. With that comes a little added pressure, I know. Here's a little help. Just click on the picture and it will take you to a website where it can be purchased. By no means feel pressure to use the website I provided. Or buy anything at all! We are definitely from the less-is-more school of gift giving. But we understand how much fun it is to make the kiddies happy. So please know, items may be available cheaper elsewhere...I have no idea.























I also did a little poking around on Etsy. I found some great little things that I think he would like. So not only will you put a huge smile on the little man's face, but you will support an independent craftsperson and buy something handmade in America!










That's all I got. And of course, books are always awesome. And just FYI, I have already purchased this truckand the dump truck for Sam's birthday, as well as a toddler trampoline. Just want to reduce any chance of duplication.

And tomorrow? The JOE edition!

It's good to be the baby.

Now I feel like a true Vermonter

I spent a good part of yesterday reminding myself that is was not, in fact, Spring. The trees bare, sun shining, and I, crouched in the garden - shovel in hand and dirt wedged under my nails. Felt like Spring to me. While my Mom was visiting last week I took advantage of the extra help to finally start putting in some plants in our barren wasteland of a front yard. I hit Gardners and stocked up on a bunch of 50% off perennials. A kind and generous neighbor let me pillage her garden for some freebies (love that bee balm). Finished things up yesterday. So far so good, but I won't really know what I think until Spring...6 months from now. Ugh.

The end of fall brings preparations for Winter. Lots of leaf raking, clothing coming out of storage, and apple cider. Usually, we just indulge in the local harvest available...pretty much everywhere (kinda like maple syrup). But this year we helped some friends make their own.



At the end of the season, the local orchards have amazing deals on truckloads of what's left. Not always the prettiest of fruit, but perfect for making cider.



The lovely Brown clan invited everyone over to help scrub the apples and turn the press.



The results?



Yummy!

Spring? Maple syrup.

Domo Arigato...

This was Sam's first real Halloween. First participating Halloween. Not only did he pick out his pumpkin, but he helped Dad with the carving.





He also decided his costume. He wanted to be a robot. Though I must admit, once it came out of his mouth, I latched on to it, reinforced it, until it stuck. I made it stick. Yes, he was going to be a robot. Much more doable than the "Tuba" and "bathtub" that had been uttered the days before.

Sam's first experience with Trick-or-Treating was a overwhelming success! There was a little worry that he might not agree to put on the costume, but once a mirror was presented, he was quite pleased and raring to go.

Here he is as SAM-E ROBT 3.0



He was designed and forged by the Mastermind Dr. Joe. Joe had to be sure to do a little tuning up before his creation was unleashed upon the streets of Burlington.




Sam went out with Jay down the street, then tagged out and I took the little robot around the corner. He was candy collecting maniac. Didn't want to stop.





I think he had the most fun once we got home and was able to hand out candy himself. He enjoyed it so much that when we ran out, he even volunteered some of his own stash so we wouldn't have to close down. I don't expect that generous spirit to reappear next year. Not after the lollipop.

The reason it's called Fall.