Another Halloween

Halloween was wonderful!  Nicholas had the best time.  Our weekend started with Trunk-or-Treat, on Friday afternoon.  Every year, our church sponsors a Trunk or Treat to give the children a safe place to trick-or-treat.  We have been going since the five kids above were one and we had to push them in strollers.  I can't believe that this year they were grown up enough to go by themselves.

Saturday night, we trick-or-treated in our neighborhood with one of my dearest friends and her kids.  We have also been doing this since they were babies.  For the first time in 9 years, no one had to wear a cape over their costume as they ate their pizza.  That is the true sign they have grown up.   Then, we  wandered the neighborhood chatting, while the kids ran ahead collecting candy.  

Many of our friends asked what Nicholas will do with the candy since he can't eat as much as other children.  He chose a small bagful of candy that he can have a little at a time and he is donating the rest.  Anyone who knows our little guy, knows how much he likes to collect anything.  Candy is no different.  He spent this morning sorting his candy for his teachers, grandmother, and friends.  He kept a handful and happily filled a bag for our troops.

Growing up I hated Halloween.  I grew up during the years of the big candy scare and trick-or-treating lost it's magic.  Then, when Will and I chose our wedding date, it did not occur to us that our rehearsal would be on Halloween.  After that, Halloween began to take on a new magic.  Once Nicholas was born, the magic got even more special.  As we turned out the lights last night, we thanked God for blessing us with our special little boy who helps keep the magic in our lives sparkling bright.

Happy November 1st!

Kelly

PS. Happy 18th Anniversary to my amazing husband.  He puts up with my crazy ideas, helps me when I melt, and is my best friend.  I love you, sweetie!!!

Off they go on their first round.

The kids love Father Ivan.  They promised to set him free

as soon as he shortened mass. :)

Missing one of our side-kicks but it was

a great night.

It's a Pumpkin Time of Year

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year!  I love the bright colors, the fun decorations, and the thought that the hot, Florida weather is finally going to change a bit.  Most of all, I cherish our annual visits to the pumpkin patch.  We have been visiting the same pumpkin patch, the first weekend in October since our little guy was born.  Every year, I take 8 million pictures of him amongst the huge field of pumpkins. I have watched my baby turn into a toddler, and now a little boy through these pictures. I wait eagerly all year for this moment.

Then, the unthinkable happened!  We were up, dressed and ready to go when we found out that after 14 years, they had closed the pumpkin patch.  The church had sold the property and decided that there was not enough space to make their big patch of pumpkins work.  I was devastated.  I cried, pitched a 5 year old fit,  and wanted to cancel fall altogether.

My wonderful husband went on the hunt and found a new pumpkin patch for us to try.  It was a little further into Orlando but well worth the drive.  It was adorable.  The volunteers were amazingly friendly and offered to take tons of family photos.  I got some great pictures (even though the lighting was little off due to the morning meltdown) and I left with another year of great memories.  We also ended up with a truck full of pumpkins. Thank you, Sanlando United Methodist Church.  You saved the day and gave us another special visit to the pumpkin patch.

Sometimes Capturing the Ride, means being able to take a little detour and come out in a better place.  May your weekend have an amazing detour that opens a whole new world of possibilities.

Happy Fall!

Kelly

Check back this weekend for some amazing Halloween pictures.

Sanlando United Methodist Church

Friday Night Lights

Weekends are for three things - sleep, family time, and football.  This weekend, I definitely lacked the sleep but we had some great family time with a little football thrown in.  Our niece, Mallory is a senior this year.  Friday after work, we headed over to catch one of her last high school band performances, at a game.  It was great!  There is nothing better than high school football on a Friday night. (Okay, maybe if our team actually wins but it was still great.)

We had a great time enjoying dinner, football, and some really special family time.  Nicholas is finally old enough to love football.  He felt like a big boy being able to talk about the game and watch from a close up spot. The band was incredible.  We couldn't have been more proud of our wonderful niece.

I am still recuperating from my weekend.  Football Friday, a chess tournament Saturday (somehow I am the coach), and blog pictures on Sunday.  Now, our house is gearing up for a little Halloween in just a few days.  Hope you have found a moment to capture something you love this week.

Keep on Doing What Your Heart Loves!

Kelly

Loving my Lily Pulitzer Sarasota top and boots.  

They were perfect for the game.

Lilly Pulitzer

Seaside - New Town, Old Ways

Seaside

Out of all the towns on 30A, Seaside is my favorite.  I love the hustle bustle of the town square, the concerts on the green in the summer, eating at the Airstream trailers and the beautiful beaches.  Not to mention an incredible, independent bookstore.  We were blessed with amazing whether and lots of activity during our little, fall escape.  

Coming back to the real world this week has been hard.  Real life has reared it's head and we have been super busy.  However, when I feel the stress starting to seep in, I close my eyes and think of my magical place.  I am transported back to a happy spot and it reminds me to take life one snapshot at a time.  

Don't forget to Capture Your Special Ride!

Kelly

PS. Today is filled with pictures. I couldn't resist.  Hope you enjoy!

The flag above the post office divides Seaside directly in half. 

I had never quite observed it from this side. It was so peaceful.

The Airstream Trailers are the hottest place to eat. There is

something for everyone.  Frost Bites will help you cool off, Song give you

an Asian flair, and our favorite Barefoot Barbeque gives you the best barbecue 

around.

Sun Dog Books

SUNDOG Books is a fabulous independent bookstore.  Come anytime of day and 

it will be mobbed with people choosing books ranging from beach

reads to architecture.  It is a can't miss stop.  Our little guy spends

hours there which warms this mommy's heart.

The Simple Life

Have you ever felt like you stepped on a speeding train and no matter how hard you tried you could not get off? That is how my life has been for the last couple of months. Something had to give but EVERYTHING seems to be a priority.  This trip brought back many of the simple pleasures, I had forgotten to enjoy.

Several years ago, my wonderful husband bought me the beach cruiser I had longingly wanted for years.  We used to bike all the time but with the craziness of life, that had gotten put on hold, also.  There is no better place to bike then along 30A.  Whether you choose the quiet trails of WaterColor, the peaceful streets of Rosemary Beach or the hopping atmosphere of Seaside, it comes down to only one thing.  It is time to enjoy the simple life.

Bikes - the Mode of Transportation in Seaside!

This might be my new cruiser.

Seaside Transit Authority is the in place to rent bikes for your stay.

Seaside Transit Authority