Yesterday we went for a walk in the neighborhood.  The boys collected leaves and Haley tried out her spiffy new reflective vest that she will now wear when her and Husband go out for their early morning jogs.

The rest of the day filled up fast with me doing some school work and the boys “helping” Husband split and haul firewood.  We all ran some errands together and then Husband and Cody were off to an eight year olds swim birthday party.

While they were gone, Carter and I decided it would be nice to have a fire in our fireplace, the first one of the season.  To celebrate this, for Carter is always looking for an excuse to celebrate and have a party, he laid out his Thomas the Train blanket in front of the fireplace and invited some stuffed animals.  He supplied them with markers, a pad of papers, and some musical instruments.

Haley invited herself to the party, snuggling in with Hool the Owl, Caterpillar, and Sock Monkey on the blanket.

Soon the party moved away from the fire as Carter proceeded to complete four large floor puzzles.  Haley helped.

Carter’s attention then drifted over to the sketch pad and markers, delighted that he could stand up the sketch pad to make a mini easel.  We worked together on drawing a pumpkin patch.  I drew the orange pumpkins and yellow sun, Carter did the rest.

The fire burned and our house became a warm, glowing oasis in the darkening, cooling forest all around.

The monkey, the caterpillar, and the owl sat in silent contemplation, mesmerized by the dance of the flames of the seasons first fire.