must have.

I stumbled upon these gems and I can't imagine my life without one (or three).  I would love one of Dusan and I.  One of the three kids.  And why not 3 chihuahuas too?  The possibilities are endless.

new chapter.

gymnastics.  2 days a week.  2 hours a week.  she loves it already.  may have even found her niche.  fast-paced.  challenging.  by far the youngest.  a program designed for cheerleaders.  no fear.  soaking it all up like a sponge.  I have to admit I'm giddy for her.  and relieved too.  no competition.  just confidence building.  all Avery and no one else.  it's a really good thing.

been scarfin'

Back in March, Avery got all these fun craft kits for her birthday.  We are still getting around to some of them.  The girl is so creative.  She could sit a craft all day.  hmmm.... wonder where she gets that from?

This particular kit involves three colors of yarn which you measure, wind, tie off, and cut into little yarn puff balls.  They get strung onto thin rope to make a scarf for both an American Girl doll and her mommy...







Avery and Lanie will looks so cute in their matching scarves this winter.  I'll post pictures once we've finished.  I gotta say I love projects like these that don't involve tears.  So fun.

chore time.

and this is where i found Davin:

a world of color.

just down the street is the mecca of deals... its been 7 years since our last visit.













Purchases made:

Hunter: 2 complete professional soccer uniforms $44 total. {and he used his own money}

Avery: nail stickers, red lace up Vans, and almost a dwarf bunny.

Davin: a $2 churro {also purchased with his own savings}

Me: a few bright colored paper parasols I'm hoping to use in some holiday card photo shoots

Dusan: Celtics hat and almost a bunk bed... don't ask.

if you haven't yet, pop by to read all about my mini holday card sessions...

it's not too early...

Pop on over to my photography blog and get the skinny on holiday card mini sessions...               

http://snipsnapphotography.blogspot.com/

and on that note...

this little smile...

is delivering this little note today...

Let me translate in case you don't read phonics:

"To Mrs. Caputo. Today I will face forward and I will listen to you.  Sorry for talking to my friends.  Love Avery"

Not sure where she gets it, but if my memory serves me correctly, someone somewhere told me its called being social?  hmmmph!

I'm hoping (and praying) that this letter writing activity will make somewhat of an impression.                On Avery.

Since school started, weekends have taken on a whole new meaning.  Finding... no make that seeking... relaxation in every shape and form.

happy weekend.

yard fort

I love our backyard.  It was the biggest selling point of the house when we found it.  We all spend countless hours out there.  It lends itself to games, parties, hide-n-seek, relaxation, growth of all kinds, and this week...

Creativity.


Davin & Avery have been hard at work way out back hammering, building, duct-taping, carrying, tieing, and hiding in their new fort.

I'm not invivted, so I put on my best lense and photgraphed what I could...
from a distance of course.














These are fort-maiking hands.  Blisters and all.

Bits and pieces of a conversation I caught upwind from the fort yesterday:

Davin: Avery, what's your W.O.C.?
Avery: My what?
Davin: You know, What's your W.O.C.??
Avery: what's that?
Davin: Your Weapon of Choice?
Avery: no response


A few minutes later they both ran into the house and quickly returned back out to the fort with their marshmallow shooters under their arms. 

Ah.... protection at its finest.

we survived.

Three nights of homework. totalling over 6 hours of our lives.  a few tears were shed.


And to think it wasn't even a full week.   I really need to build up my stamina for this school year. Yep, it's official. this will be the year when my gray hair makes its debut.









I welcome the weekend with open arms. I know I need it.  We all need it.  And before we know it, Monday will be back.

best seat in the house.

After finding the best deal in town, Davin woke up on his birthday to the one gift he really wanted. A 9 foot hammock. It has quickly become the spot of choice for relaxing & reading... we just have to be careful not to get flipped over in the process.

observed.

With Lisa & Frank in town this weekend, we spent a beautiful day in Hollywood yesterday.  A gorgeous day out at The Griffith Observatory.  We could not have asked for a better view of the L.A. skyline and the Hollywood sign.



the pendulum...

Everything you ever want or need to know about comets.

Astronauts in training.  Halloween?

The gang (photo taken by my talented sis)



what a view...



Linner (lunch + dinner) at Jerry's Famous Deli in Hollywood. 

I stole this picture off my phone because somehow my sister and i never manage to get a picture together whenever she comes for a visit... maybe because we're always busy sticking our cameras in everyone else's faces...


A perfect weekend.  Just not long enough.