Fall Already?

The weather has changed so quickly this year! Of course, it's still possible that we'll return to to the HEAT that we normally have in August, but for now it's been downright cool!

I'm glad that we went to Lake Powell when we did. It was one last chance to lay in the sun and enjoy Summer. I'm always ready for Autumn - it's my favorite season - but this year it's creeping up a little sooner than I'd like.

This Summer flew by faster than I can ever remember one going before. I think time speeds up as you get older. What a depressing thought.

We have a few things to get done before the weather turns completely. That should be a good 6 weeks from now - usually we have at least until late October before it's snowing - but this year, who knows? I'm hoping that the early cool down will just mean a longer Fall to enjoy, but we'd better prepare for an early Winter, too.

This weekend we need to re-tile the barbecuer out back. Last year we built it with a charcoal pit, because that's what Matt prefers. But this year I convinced him to convert it to gas, for convenience sake. He's already ripped apart the old counter top and cut a new hole for the new gas barbecue. We bought the tile (gorgeous slate!) last weekend. Once it's complete I'll post a picture. I'm excited! Gas grilling is so much faster than charcoal. Faster to start, faster to cook, faster to put away.

We're getting ready for Halloween already, too!

Last year Natalie hosted a Halloween party at Matt Horrocks' house - because her condo is too small, and because they were 'sort of' dating at the time. He put some restrictions on her that she didn't really like, though - like not letting her hang decorations up!

This year I volunteered my place, and I think she's decided to have it here.

I'm so excited to co-host with her!

Matt and I are going to be pirates this year. PERFECT costume for Matt, with his constant 5 o'clock shadow and his olive skin.

Last year we didn't match - I was a referee and he was a cop. We were cute, though! Here we are

I asked Tessa what she wanted to be and she said a fairy. I resisted - she dressed as a fairy for her Birthday! Plus, she's been a pincess or a fairy every year almost!

So then she said that she and Asher want to be devils. I can't WAIT to make her a little devil dress! What a darling costume choice for them both. I already bought some fantastic fabric for her costume - heavy red satin with raised velvet flames on it. Asher's costume will be easy, and probably mostly purchased, unless I can find a cute one piece jammie-style pattern I can make him a red jumpsuit with. The horns and spears for both will be store bought, of course.

I'm making mine and Matt's costumes for the most part, too. I love that stuff.

I'm dreading Winter this year, shoveling mountains of snow is still too fresh in my memory! But I do love the Holiday season. And we couldn't possibly have another winter as harsh as last year, right?