Reflection

Dearest Luthien and Bastian,
The summer is quickly coming to an end, and while I am not looking forward to shorter days and less vitamin D, the excitement and anticipation of the colors changing, school schedules and routines beginning, and apple and pumpkin picking is keeping me going!

Luthien, today was one of those days where I couldn't stop squeezing you and giving you kisses.  I have to admit that I do this a bit more often with Bastian, probably because for now he is still the baby in our family.  But today you looked especially grown up and beautiful to me, and acted the part as well.  We were handed down an antique writing desk and I love to watch you sit there for up to an hour at a time, working on your latest creation.  It was only a few months ago that I was worried about your disinterest in art (I know, I know, you were only 3).  Today you sat at that desk and created many brilliant things whilst singing a medley of Sunday songs.  I love the joy and excitement you get out of putting your writing utensil to the paper and discovering something new each time.  Today my favorite was, "Mom, I just made a sapling!"  I wrestle with not wanting you to feel like your end product has to be something in particular, but at the same time we have recently enjoyed sitting down with eachother and drawing or painting together, and you love to mimic the things I am creating and ask me how to do whatever it is I am working on.  You have been hard at work at your desk working on mostly trees, spiders, mosquitos, snails, slugs, grass, turtles, and suns.  You practice these over and over again.

In other news we had the opportunity to go to the most gorgeous wedding!  The pictures don't do justice to this amazingly quaint New England locale in the town of Little Compton, Rhode Island.  Unfortunately we forgot our camera on our walk to the marshlands and ocean, not to mention the kite flying for kids that was written into the program.

 the friendliest hotel/farm resident cat I've ever met; you two were ecstatic about this part

comfortable chairs with fabulous ocean and kite flying views

the exchanging of vows/rings was supposed to be on the beach, but it was a little rainy that day so they decided to keep it on the hotel grounds; we didn't mind a bit since that meant we had the beach to ourselves

the beautiful "fairy" bride as we called her (our friend Gillian); she had a gorgeous crown of fresh flowers...
also pictured is the greatest local band with an awesome playlist for the evening!  

and what wedding would be complete without the coolest hotel to go potty in, with a friendly staff offering you juicy local peaches to snack on while you wait for food?

I won't even mention the menu; it was in my top 3 favorite meals of my life, and those who know this mama know she can be picky

when the fire-pit lit up and they brought out fixings for natural/organic dark chocolate smores, I almost had to leave, it was too much!
Almost is the key word :)

 Our summer and all the experiences we are having together as a family have made me reflect on how grateful I am to have started a new life here in Massachusetts.  We are blessed with everything we need somehow, as well as good friends and opportunities to grow and learn in ways I never expected.  What a beautiful surprise this chapter of our life has been, I can't wait for what this new [school] year brings!
Love,
Mama

p.s. "school" year has taken on a whole new meaning this year because it is not just Dad that is going!  Luthien, you are stoked to be going to preschool 2 mornings each week at this adorable little arts-based school!
p.p.s  MANY thanks to the love and support from our family (mostly all of your grandparents) back in our home state of AZ and beyond!  This wouldn't be possible without them!