playdate on the merrimac

Cashman Park, Newburyport, MA.

Aidan with some of his new friends.

red, orange and yellow

One of the first thoughts that flashed through my mind when we received our orders to New England was that I'd finally have an opportunity to experience four seasons ... specifically, a true, honest to God autumn.

Moving so far from home and living up here has been an adjustment for sure, but I've kept my eyes on the prize -- the changing colors of the leaves.

For months, I've been watching the green leaves on all the big maples outside my windows, anxiously awaiting any sign of color. And finally, sure enough, it's beginning to happen.

The pumpkins have appeared on the porches around the neighborhood, the temperatures have dropped to the 40s in the evenings, and yes, the leaves are changing color.

Here's a view from my front porch, complete with the first hints of orange, red and yellow. I can't imagine what the full explosion of color will look like, but I'm soaking up every second of the transformation.

perfect football food

We received a care package containing some Texas chili mix a few weeks ago from one of my besties back in Houston.

This past weekend was the perfect time and place to mix up a bowl of meaty goodness -- football on TV all weekend (ahhhh, it's the most wonderful time of the year), the Aggie flag flying proudly outside, and temps dropping more and more each week (highs in the 60s, lows at night in the 40s and 50s).

It's chili-time, y'all.

she's here!

Paige Brooke Farrell was born on August 31 at 2:31 a.m.

Out little peanut was 5 pounds, and 18 inches long.

Life is so full, and we're blessed beyond words.