Tuesday, September 2, 2014

early September . . .



September is a beautiful month!

Summer is winding down . . . and we begin planning for Fall.  happy sigh.

            And for many kids, it marks the beginning of a new school year.




This September is really special for our little family. Our 5-and-6-year old will be embarking on a FIRST this month. 

For our youngest son, it's Kindergarten . . . and for our oldest daughter, it's the First Grade. 





When I was the mommy of a 3-year-old, 2-year-old, and a newborn I thought this day wouldn't come soon enough. But now that I'm here . . . and 2 of my 3 little ones are going to school . . . I don't feel that way any more.

I really enjoyed being a big part of their Summer. The truth is . . . I'm going to miss their company every day . . . as well as the free-flowing nature of Summer days.

We had a wonderful Summer filled with lots of field trips, beach excursions, and fun craft projects.





Although September typically marks a time of routine, homework, and early bed times, I couldn't resist planning one more 'field trip.' It's sort of a Fall-preview inspired trip. 

We're heading north to the Santa Ynez Valley to visit apple orchards and pumpkin patches in a few weeks . . . and then up to Avila Valley Barn for an old-fashioned hay ride, sunflower field walk, and a farm tour.

We checked out this darling book on our last trip to the library. It's an easy read with simple illustrations. I smile every time I see our 6-year-old read it to her younger siblings.

It's fun, child-centered story is a wonderful way to prepare for our upcoming trip!

Cheers to September, apples, harvest . . . and new school FIRSTS!






LET'S STAY in touch!



 







Sharing with . . . .

Stephanie Lynn, It's Overflowing, Twelve O Eight, Carrie This Home, Cooking for the Seven Dwarves, Huckleberry Love, Dwellings, Smart Party Planning,  The Dedicated HouseMod Vintage LifeLori's Culinary Creations, Home Stories, StoneGableAn Extraordinary Day, I'm Not a Trophy Wife, Between Naps on the Front Porch, Rustic Refined,  Tumbleweed ContessaA Stroll Thru Life,Elizabeth & Co,  My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Savvy Southern StyleThe Recipe CriticOur Home Away From HomeJanine HuldieCarolyn's Homework,  Fluster Buster   Kitchen Meets Girl,  Craftie Allie,  Wednesday morning The Blissful Bee,  The Newlywed Pilgrimage Chic California, Lamberts LatelyLive Laugh RoweSweet Bella Roos, The Charm of Home, From My Front Porch to Yours, I'm Not a Trophy Wife,  Delightsome Life.Posed PerfectionKatherine's CornerNancherrowThe Freshman Cook,  Jann OlsonHome  Maid Simple,  Rooted in ThymeEveryday Enchanted Home, Pure Grace Farms A Dish of Daily Life, Bacon Time, Sunflower Supper Club, Tater Tots and Jello,  Cooking with CurlsMade from PinterestSimply GloriaOne More Time Events, 3 Little Greenwoods





16 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos and beautifully written. I can't wait to go to the pumpkin farm here again this year.

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  2. I hope your kids have a wonderful start to the school year! It's always emotional to have a kindergartener. It makes the passing of time so clear. Your field trip sounds great though and will be a fun family memory! I always long for a hayride in the fall!

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  3. Hoping your little one's have a wonderful school year. I loved your post and it is never easy to know they are growing up. I went on a hayride as a child and it was a magical time and your field trip sounds like it was great fun!

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  4. So how are you adjusting to just the one at home? I'm in the same boat this year. It's definitely an adjustment. Just me and a two-year old. :)

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  5. As a teacher myself (now retired), the beginning of the school year for my kids was always hectic for me.

    The field trip to Santa Inez sounds wonderful. We were supposed to do a wine event next weekend at Firestone, but had to cancel. I was sorry because I love that area in the fall.

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  6. I would love to come to your home for a day or two. It looks so beautiful, relaxing and inviting. September is one of my favorite times of the year (I know I say that about every season, but I mean it at the time :) ). Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the stirrings of fall.
    Blessings,
    Shari

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  7. I don't know that apples are fruits of the fall because they seem to be available all year around in the grocery stores:) I love apples!!

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  8. Both apples and sunflowers are gorgeous. So fresh!...Christine

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  9. I love the focus on sunflowers and apples. For me it's a bit too early for the pumpkins and browns I'm seeing everywhere, but this hits just the right note. Honoring the transition without jumping the gun. So lovely... :-)

    Lory
    Designthusiasm.com

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  10. I loved reading this!! It reminded me of when my little ones first went off to school. Now they're in college! YIKES!! So glad you made wonderful memories this summer. Happy Fall!

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  11. Happy firsts and beautiful pictures! I'm glad you enjoyed your kids that much this summer

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  12. Anonymous4:33 AM

    I love this time of year too, beautiful photo's Suzanne. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!! Laura@Baking in Pyjamas

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  13. Your photos are just stunning Suzanne!

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  14. I love children's readers from the fall months!! Especially the ones with apple stories. That is very cute! Thanks for joining HSH!

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  15. I so remember when mine were that young - we home schooled so I had them with me a lot! Love this time of the year - cherish the days! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  16. Love your apple pics. We just found some amazing apples yesterday when grocery shopping. I need to snap a few pics of them before the boys eat them all!;)

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