It’s been a rough few weeks for everyone, hasn’t it? When our son was little he used to scream this at the top of his lungs, with great joy and excitement in his voice, nearly every day … at dawn. When I’m having a bad day I think about his cute little voice shouting out “BEAUTIFUL,” and it helps get me through. Next time you’re having a bad day try taking a moment to focus on one little spot of beauty in the world. It’s always out there. — xoxo, E.
Christmas shopping for the little ones is always the most fun! I love buying stuff for kids — brings out the kiddo in me, I guess. Here are some of my favorite holiday gifts for children:
1. Thumbprint Masterpieces 2. Lion Rucksack 3. Bird-o The Bird Stuffed Animal 4. Tattly Monster Tattoos 5. Play Canopy 6. Chalkboard Top Desk 7. Nerf Gun 8. Owl Slippers 9. Animal Faces Masks 10. Comic Book Kit 11. Bambi doll 12. Fox Puzzle
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I just cannot get enough of these cute little munchkins dressed up for Halloween. It’s Jessica Davis‘ favorite holiday of the year, and it really shows in her photos. This year I was chatting with her about Alexander’s costume idea, and she convinced me to make costumes for John and me, too. So I’m going to blame her for my lack of sleep as I stay up all night tonight sewing and gluing.
All photos by Jessica Davis Photography.
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Today our UPS delivery guy was wearing a hoodie parka with his shorts … I think it’s a sure sign that it is, indeed, Fall here in Charleston. Now that it’s Fall, the next logical thing on the mighty to do list is to think of a really clever Halloween costume.
Our son is thinking about being a robot this year, and I’m trying to convince John to be a Canadian (long story), but so far we haven’t decided on anything yet. If you have any great ideas please let me know.
Pictured above, some of my favorite Halloween costume ideas: The Kid from UP, Bowl of Spaghetti, Bandit Family.
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It’s too hot to stand over a stove stirring Polenta right now, which is the only reason I didn’t scoop up a package of Moretti when I was at the grocery store the other day. The packaging is delightful that I can pretty much guarantee my kid would eat this if he saw the package first.
photos: TreeHouse Workshop
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Photos: Barbara Butler
For Father’s day, my dad got a new chainsaw. Having trimmed all the bushes and trees on the property, he decided to move on to a fun new project: building a treehouse for my son! John and my dad put in the floor over the weekend, built a rope ladder, and the all-imporant dumbwaiter (for loading snacks up to the fort).
I’m feeling inspired by these beautiful treehouses by TreeHouse Workshop and Barbara Butler. After seeing these, I think we may need to revisit the original blueprint for the treehouse:
Alexander drew a plan for his treehouse. Note the fun slide!
photo: Erika Firm
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photos by DELPHINE
FINALLY! The plaid dresser is done and put in A’s bedroom. To be fair, I must admit that the dresser started with light blue and white stripes, so we had a head start.
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Ever since we finished the room the cat has started hanging out in there.
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Here’s a little progress report on A’s bedroom renovation. We’ve finished all the room painting, including the magnetic paint stripe, and re-hung the surfboard.
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Our first grader has been asking for a “Big Boy Room” for more than a year now. He loves Legos, his kitty, experiments, trains, matchbox cars, computer games, and being mischevious. Two weekends ago we started the project by painting his ceiling white and the walls a medium cool grey with blue undertones.
Before: the entire room was a medium blue shade, which came with the house, and was fine for his baby-blue and white striped furniture and pale green crib.
A few things we’re keeping: his white twin bed with star headboard, Ryan’s surfboard, his armoire and dresser (though they will be repainted), the cute side table, and the star lantern. We’re losing the gross shaggy carpet, the bleached out rug, the “baby” artwork, and the curtains.
This past weekend we finished painting the room and started on the furniture. I’ll post photos soon of the progress. My favorite things so far is a big magnetic strip of paint on one wall, so A can post up favorite pictures.
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I was having a really terrible (sad, upsetting, annoying, stressful, blech) day yesterday. But at 2 o’clock I had a “date” with my son at the San Diego Fair. After one carmel apple and a spin on the ferris wheel with the little guy I discovered that it’s impossible to be sad at the fair. I ended up having a perfect afternoon.
I caught up with my friend Jessica Davis yesterday at her fabulous new studio in Solana Beach, California. Her specialty is kids photography, but I think she could have a second career as a pet photographer. Check out that cute doggie!
