Cousins

I pulled this box out of the closet the other day and asked Aspen if she wanted to draw on it.
Woah! Now it's all the kid wants to do. We've be outlining her hands, her feet; we even did a full body drawing on this thing. Which I wouldn't advise; it was a little creepy. The point is that there's so many sides and insides and outsides that I think we'll be drawing on this box forever.
Which I'm okay with. She gets to explore her creative self and I get to draw stars. Or doggies. Or whatever it is she wants me to make for her.
After all, who could say no to this face?

I buckled

I don't know what's wrong with me this year. Usually I wait until after Thanksgiving to whip out all our Christmas gear (it's a spoken rule in our marriage), but Wednesday the whole Christmas spirit really hit me hard, and I had to act.

Not only did I take out some old stuff, but I actually ran to the store within the hour to purchase some things I've always wanted: a nice garland and a centerpiece for the table. The Christmas music came on, candy canes were being used in recipes, and it was all over. Sorry sweetie.

Overcast days are the best

Aspen and I love to go to the park. There's one close by and it's the most amazing park I've ever seen, so we go almost every day. Getting there is a great workout for me, and once we're there Aspen gets out all her wiggles. Okay, Aspen get out some of her wiggles.

I love the run. Once you're through the neighborhood and hit the park there's a great path that leads you all the way around. I've been noticing a lot of the trees lately, with their berries and leaves. So pretty!

There are still remnants of fall here. I love that it's November, and I can still hold on to my favorite season, just a bit longer.

Sometimes there are ducks in this pond. Aspen likes to stop and find out.

Aspen hasn't quite had an interest in climbing these rocks yet, as disappointing as that is to her father. I'm sure she will be soon. How cool are they, though? I want to climb on them!
I took these photos yesterday. It was pretty chilly and overcast; my favorite. We had the park to ourselves.
Poor Aspen! I'm trying to find your gloves, I promise!
She didn't care how cold it was; she just wanted to play. After 20 minutes I couldn't stand the chill any longer, though, and we headed home to a nice, warm bath.

Wedding bells

Saturday Eric's sister Annie married her beau, Rusty. It was a beautiful wedding, and a beautiful day! Lots of Eric's family came into town, and it was so fun to see everyone. Aspen was royally spoiled. Royally spoiled.....
Sorry these photos aren't the best. It's hard to take a good photo when you're chasing around your offspring.
Annie's colors were black, white and pink. Hence, Eric wore a pink tie. He says he'll never wear it again, but I thought he looked pretty smashing in it. So I had to take a picture!

I found this black dress at Marshall's for $10 and I loved it; only it was too short for me. So I went and got some black satin and added it to the bottom to lengthen the hem. I'm so glad it worked. It was a little ify at first.
These photos were taken outside the temple (Boise) where Annie and Rusty were married. I wish I would have taken a photo of the temple and grounds, because as you can see, they were in full autumn splendor. Doesn't this couple make a beautiful pair? Congratulations, guys.

It's been too long, John

Courtesy of my brother-in-law to be, I've been listening to John Mayer's Continuum cd. I love it! John Mayer has always been one of my favorite artists, both for his honest, open lyrics and for the music itself. I think it's been years since I've listened to him, and now I'm kicking myself. I just want to stay here downstairs and clean my heart out, 'cause that's where the radio is!