a few photos from around our house...

Nothing too new. Kate dressing up. She changes her clothes at least 3 times a day. Loves to wear her pajamas and this pink princess dress. Don't worry, I don't let her leave the house in the princess dress.
Gwen smiling. My stationary baby is gone. This girl is on the move!

A serious painting session.

Trying to get ready for Halloween. I even broke out the sewing machine for the first time since we've moved! It was fun. And I know I'm not supposed to complain about the weather here, because it is southern California. And isn't everyone jealous of the weather here? But, I am going to for just a minute. Today it was 85 degrees. Seriously? It's October. It's getting a little old. And the trees? They are all still green. I guess I've just experienced fall a little different for the past 9 years. See photo below. Now that is fall.

Litchfield Hills, CT. Fall 2008.

Arizona

We took a road trip to Arizona this past weekend to attend Grandpa Tanner's funeral. It was great to have the entire family together, all traveling from different parts of the country, and meet to celebrate the life of this generous and honorable man.
Kate and Gwen both were really great on the drive over. They are really sweet sisters and liked holding hands in the back seat. Kate stayed entertained with her DVD player and Gwen just liked to stare at Kate.
Grandpa and Grammy Tanner's house is a grandkids dream. Grandpa Tanner loved trains and built a big train table in his house complete with tunnels, multiple tracks, trees and conductor hats for anyone operating the trains. Kate loved this and wanted everyone to wear the conductor hats with her.
While it is always sad to see a loved one go, the funeral was also joyous. There were plenty of smiles and it was fun to spend time with family we don't get to see very often.

Gwen and Aunt Rachel.

The grandkids released 63 white balloons at the graveside in honor of the 63 years that Grammy and Grandpa were married.

Grammy Tanner is in the background of the picture above. She is a very classy lady, always smiling and positive. I was really inspired by her attitude and graciousness.
After the luncheon, Kate and I were waiting outside for Paul to open the car. It was a really hot day in Arizona. Kate was standing on the grass when all of a sudden the sprinklers turned on. After she got over the initial shock, she had a blast running through the sprinklers. I secretly wanted to join her.

where I've been

My lack of posting has been a result of 1. not having as much leisure time and 2. spending the leisure time I do have trying to decorate our home. Fun and sometimes frustrating. My best find so far has been these chairs. Found at a garage sale on our way to the beach for $20. Yes, that is lucky! I've been all over the place as to what to do with them (fabrics, trims, paint). I was recently told that the fabric looks like it came from Lee Jofa and to keep it. Seriously? I'd be interested to hear what you think.

I also stumbled upon this online magazine that reminds me a lot of Domino magazine--that went under like so many magazines are doing. Thought some of you might be interested.