October was a beautiful month in Colorado. For the first time in a number of years, there wasn’t any snow to dampen our leafy spirits, nor did we contend with any major wind. The result was a luscious landscape of autumn, and we got to enjoy it for weeks. When Anne of Green Gables said “I’m glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,” she was right.
In the middle of the month, we stole away to Breckenridge for a night to enjoy the mountain air. We lucked out with weather there, too, because the sun was shining and the sky was a cloudless blue. We walked about town without coats in the afternoon and only had to bundle on our evening walk back from the brewery. We missed the aspen’s glorious peak but enjoyed glimpses of their gold in patches around town. The kids enjoyed the resort’s pool, and Jason and I enjoyed the views. It was a sweet little getaway, one that reminded us that we are fortunate to live where we do.
Both grandmothers have October birthdays, so we got to celebrate them, too! Nana (Jason’s mom) is famous for her apple pie so we took her to the apple orchard for her day. Yes, we realize this may have been self-serving, as well … hey Nana, you’re going to share that pie, right? Nana turned 67 this year but looks fifteen years younger. She’s got good genes!
Grandma (my mama) is famous for her cookies, but her birthday had nothing to do with them this year. She turned 69 this year and also looks and feels much younger … not to mention she’s lost over forty pounds this year! Bravo, you, Grandma! We celebrated with dinner, cake, and games. She introduced us to this one, which we all like a lot! It would make a great gift. Mama, I have no pictures of you on your birthday. How is that possible? I think you need your own separate post, in which we will display all kinds of glamour shots of you. You deserve your own, anyway. Our life does not work without you in it. You love big, Grandma, and we love you.
October weekends were filled with walks and bike rides through the neighborhood. Harper and Jameson enjoyed their gymnastics and ninja classes on Saturdays, and Jason wrapped up his half-marathon training. I baked pumpkin recipes like this one and this one (be sure to use the orange juice option – makes all the difference), in addition to Grandma’s pumpkin bread (come to think of it, she’s also famous for that!).
The kids and I visited our favorite little pumpkin patch last weekend while Jason spent hours setting up a Ninja Course for his students at school.
Harper had her first horseback riding lesson ever this month! She’d been asking since August to give it a try, and she loved every minute. Horses may become part of our future. She learned how to put on the saddle and the bridle and got to brush “Mel.” She learned how to steer and trot, too.
Before we knew it, it was October 31. Costumes were all the talk. Jameson decided to be a ninja this year but is generally luke-warm about the whole idea of Halloween (aside from trick-or-treating … this, he thinks, is a great idea). We had to convince him to wear his costume for the school parade and promised him it would look “weirder” if he were not dressed up. For three nights leading up to the parade, he asked me if the next day was the day. I think he was living a nightmare in his head that he would show up on the wrong day and be the only one. Bahaha. Nonetheless, he made it through and was certainly not the only one. Harper continued with her birthday theme from this year and dressed as a cheerleader. She looked completely adorable and walked out of the house with confidence and pep, dragging her brother along with her. They had a great day at school and came home smiling. We are so glad they had this day.
Despite a beautiful month on the whole, we end on a different note. Though our pumpkins are carved and the candy bowl is filled, we are going to turn off the lights and snuggle inside tonight. Unfortunately, Jameson tested positive for Covid Friday night. We are staying in to take good care of him and are, of course, hopeful that Harper will remain well. Thank you to everyone who got vaccinated and tried to help offset the danger for our children. We are sad that we got so very close to a vaccine for kids and, yet, Covid still found us. Please keep us in your thoughts.
Happy Halloween and happy trick-or-treating! Tomorrow is November 1, and I get excited for this day each year. In Colorado, snow flurries are predicted and … what perfect timing! Their presence announces the arrival of the best time of year. I will be home, cozy with my kids, healing and getting ready for all the good that is to come.
Be well, my friends.
