Winding Down

Summer, I think, is officially past.  
Autumn has arrived and I can't complain because
 a. it's the middle of October
and 
b. it's my favorite season! 

Content copyright © 2015 by Jessa at Graceful Landing

I'm in love with all things Fall.  Sweaters and blankets and the smells of soups and baked goods cozying up the house.  Pumpkins and garden harvests,  blustery days and deep blue skies varied by days of gray.  

 I love that summer here hangs on endlessly and then, with barely a warning, the leaves change and almost overnight Fall comes swooping in.   A few days ago, I was still harvesting watermelons from my garden!  

I love sunsets and time on the porch swing- without blistering heat.  Perfect weather for yard work and prepping the chicken coop for the coming cold.

 Misty mornings, wearing my Old Friend slippers and jeans again, I love to step out and breathe in the fresh cool air.

 I'm in my element!

Content copyright © 2015 by Jessa at Graceful Landing

Five Generations

Content copyright © 2015 by Jessa at Graceful Landing

 I am a fifth-generation Oregonian on my mother's side.  Say that fives times fast!  

My Great-great grandfather, Morgan, traveled west to Oregon- following his Uncle William, who was an indian agent. 
We have deep Oregon roots.

So when I gathered my girls and my niece for a spontaneous trip to visit our loved ones there, I was happily surprised to have everything fall into place.  Like we were meant to go.  

Seven women, ages 67 down to 4, traveling together.  Singing together.  Grumbling here and there but always enjoying eachother's company.  It was grand!

I crossed something major off my 'bucket list.'  A five-generation  photo with my grandmother, mother, oldest daughter and granddaughter.   (And me, of course)  

Not a perfect, studio portrait.  None of us as thin or fit or young as we'd like to be.  (With the exception of the 4-year old.)  All of us slightly hot and sweaty on an August day.  

It was wonderful.  So we took a few more.

And one of the granddaughters with their great-grandparents:

It was a memorable trip and one that I will cherish forever.

Just a Reminder

As the days grow short and cold and winter is on the way;  a few captured moments from summer and fall to get me through....

 

Snow Day!

First snow of the season, and at just the right time to get me in the spirit of Christmas.

We played in the snow, made drop doughnuts like my mom used to make from her grandmother's recipe, and just cozied up. 
Christmas music playing, snowflakes falling, wet snow clothes everywhere....a good day.

A Wedding Kind of Day

My sweet son is married!    

This little boy, whose cheeks I've kissed a million times, who has brought me immeasurable joy as a mother; 

Grew up, and got married.

 It's still sinking in- and I don't know that I'll ever get used to my babies growing up, but it's so wonderful to see your children so blissfully happy!


  This has been an eventful October and the absolute highlight was the beautiful wedding of my son and his lovely wife.  

Amazing day, gorgeous weather and family and friends to enjoy.  Perfect. 

Here are photos from this special day.






Content copyright © 2014 by Jessa at Graceful Landing