as of late: the october edition

{post-dance hair do}

{finally a broccoli soup I can get behind}

{just two gals chatting at a party}

{he likes his with maple syrup and toasted nuts (she prefers a healthy dose of brown sugar)}

{banged up but still smiling}

{not our Christmas card}

{apple crisp before}

{soup season}

{filling up all the white space at Nana's request}

{apple crisp after}

{a gift from Papa}

all growed up

{I'm with the band}

Violet had a sleepover last night. A real sleepover with a friend from Susie -Q's. I half thought I would get a call before bed, I half hoped I would. She is a brave one that Lady Vi.

Just because she is old enough to sleep at someone's house doesn't mean I let her wear makeup (see above). On Sunday afternoon Violet was invited to a rockstar birthday party -- the kids were instructed to dress up. It is possible we (meaning I) went a little overboard with the eye makeup -- it looked particularly cute when the kids got in the mini pool. Yikes! Ever use makeup remover on a little kid? It is a lovely bonding experience...Also, using the flat iron on Violet is a total waste of time, she is a hot little thing and the moment she starts perspiring those curls can't help themselves, hairspray be damned! I guess there is a reason I normally don't give Violet full hair and makeup treatment.  Though we do love a good costume party around here. Violet is already thinking about Halloween.

I'm loving all the fun things that we get to do with Violet as she gets older, but part of me really wants her to stay little. Sleepovers at three? I'm not sure I am ready for this.

xo

Em

groundhog day

{we cross our legs toward each other, that means we like each other -- ever seen Clueless?}

Last Saturday we got up early, headed to the market and then hit the road for the valley. It was so fun we thought we would do it all over again this week. Seriously, that is what we thought. My sweet friend Anna is heading back out West (temporarily we are all assured) and I had to squeeze in one last visit.

Last weekend her sister, who just had a baby, was sweet enough to have us over for lunch -- we thought we would put her hospitality to the test and visit her again this week. Luckily she and her husband are two of the nicest people you'll meet. They even acted like they were happy to see us again -- just what a family with a new baby wants, visitors!

I personally think it stinks that we lose so many good Maritimers to the West. I totally get it, but that doesn't stop it from stinking. Luckily this friend's roots are deep (like an apple tree...) and I just know she'll be back.

The fact her sister has one of the cutest babies around is an even bigger incentive to get back on the right side of Canada.

I'll miss you Anna!

xo

Em

{bliss}

{come back home Auntie Anna}

{I brought cheese and bread from the market}

{Anna out did me with homemade blueberry pie}

{silly girls}

Luckett Vineyards

{we weren't on a date, but it would be a good place to go on one!}

Growing up in the Annapolis Valley I think I always had an inkling that it was a special place. Summers tasted like hot, buttery corn on the cob and fresh blueberries (or better yet, fresh blueberry grunt). The hot, dry summer weather meant lots of bridge jumping and tubing down the Gaspereau River. Even the winters seemed more fun. Lots of snow kept my siblings and I pinned to the radio every morning from October until April, our fingers crossed for a snow day -- which happened all the time. Best news every time! 

Small towns are a great place for kids – everyone knew everyone and backyards seemed to meld together and make one giant play area. I don’t think I could convince Jeff to live in Wolfville, but we sure do love to visit.

Yesterday we took his mum and sister to Luckett Vineyards. It was so lovely. There was a cool breeze, a great view and, of course, we had the best company. I couldn’t believe how nice the vineyard was. How have we not been here before, kept running through my head. The winery has a beautiful patio with a great view of the whole Gaspereau Valley. We grabbed a drink and laid low in the shade.

I would drive an hour just to have lunch there. Anyone up for a road trip? I seem to have a few options! 

xo

Em

{we miss you Pond ladies already}

{just up from a nap -- I forgot her sunnies -- she was not amused}

{Juliet for Julia}

{so pretty}

{have you ever tried to cook fresh artichokes? I haven't}

{these are in my fridge, and my belly!}

warm summer nights

{any excuse to have a picnic}

I am still in denial that my vacation is over so in an attempt to feel "vacation-esque" we decided to dine al fresco this evening. Okay it was just an ordinary picnic, but al fresco sounds so continental I couldn't resist! We dined at a local playground, which is not very continental at all, but Violet had fun running through the sprinkler while Jeff and I hung out in the shade.

I picked up a new picnic blanket while I was in PEI. My mum, Violet and I stopped by a yard sale in an old log cabin on our way to the ferry -- it cost a whopping five dollars! Just another reason I love that little island.

The breeze was refreshing, supper tasted better because we ate outside and Violet went to sleep so easily because she had skipped, galloped and run out all her giggles at the playground. If I must work (gosh I wish I was a member of the aristocracy), then this is not a bad way to pretend like I am on an extended holiday. There really are a lot of hours after work, I just never know where they go!

xo

Em

{so easily pumped about almost anything: awesome}

{mixed prints}

{pretty cute for five bucks, huh?}

{dinner conversation -- don't mind the quinoa!}

I wanna go back

{beach bum}

The smell of sunscreen and sweat, messy hair made crunchy by salt water, worn pages from hours of uninterrupted reading, watermelon juice running down a sun-kissed chin -- there is nothing quite like a summer holiday. A holiday is like a good night sleep on steroids. I feel better, I look better, I think I am even a better mum and a better wife. All it took was a week on a beach. I'll take one a month please and thank you. 

Wanna see some pictures?

Come on, you're bored at work, indulge me!

{the littlest jam maker}

The first day of our vacation we made strawberry jam, all four generations of Harris women lent a hand. Don't get too excited, Violet was the only one to go topless ;)

{she's still got those cheeks}

{private beach}

The cottage we stayed at was so sweet. We had a huge grassy lawn that overlooked this beach. Violet loved running in the clover. My mum, who is allergic to bees, not so much. Excitement with every step!

{action shot}

{how I spent a lot of the week}

{best nana ever}

{best papa ever}

{kindred spirits}

{mama's shades and lip gloss}

{fast friends}

Violet met a friend at the Murray River parade. I love small town parades. Lots of vintage cars, princesses in fishing boats and every under-12 hockey team that plays on our end of the island! We were in Brad Richards country remember. Hockey is king.

{break it down}

{fantasy land}

{this cracks me up!}

{not as fun as I remembered}

Fantasy Land is a playground my parents and my sweet great-uncle Keith used to take me to when I was a little girl. I loved it. It was magical. There were lots of nursery rhyme characters scattered in the woods. It was the best playground I'd ever been to. Walt Disney apparently made Fantasy Land change its name (it is now known as King's Castle) -- can't you see how people would mistake this awesome airplane ride for Disneyland? The park is in need of a major facelift and the mosquitos seemed worse than ever. Maybe you can't ever really go home...

{Lobster Supper}

Lobster suppers are the best deal going. I've been quite a few times growing up but I really wanted Jeff to experience it. The good folks of Murray Harbour prepared a delicious spread including lobster (duh), potato salad, biscuits, coleslaw, jello salad (yuck), rolls, various squares and strawberry shortcake. Everyone eats together at long tables in the rink. Everyone drinks copious amounts of very strong tea. It is awesome. After we bought our tickets I left Jeff for a minute to visit the ladies room, but I overheard someone say, "is she a Harris?". Jeff said I was and that I was Ron's granddaughter and Mark's daughter. The person didn't know my dad or my grandfather and he still knew I was a Harris! I think that deserves a yikes!!

{pretty canola}

{the way they are looking at each other melts my heart}

{profile picture}

{I am so lucky to have such great parents}

{feel the love!}

Back to reality this week. It is always nice to sleep in your own bed isn't it?

Did you miss me? I sure missed you!

xoxox

Em