Getting Crafty

Along with photography, art has always been one of my favorite hobbies. I'm not necessarily the most talented, but I enjoy any chance I get to get messy with some paint. Awhile back my husband took me to a wine & canvas joint, and I had the time of my life; not to mention sharing it with my hubby was a real perk.

But this isn't about Pinot & Picasso.

This is about sharing the fun of arts & crafts with my baby girl! Well, not so much a baby anymore. Now that Audriana is getting older, we have been getting pretty crafty with all sorts of things. I'm loving the fact that she can pick out her own colors, and just let go!! Although it may seem to be a mess, it's all about the fun! And it certainly has been just that.

My mother-in-law loves getting Audriana the cutest crafts, and usually going along with the current holiday. Better believe I dive right in and join the fun!! Some of the most recent items she's crafted are a scarecrow, pumpkins, and a couple cute Halloween figurines; cat & owl witch. Audriana is gracious enough to allow me one of the items, so as displayed you can see hers and mine.

Recently we painted pumpkins, and my oh my was that... a mess. Ha. Of course it's all fun, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being a little over protective. Hints the table cover, and over excessive amount of paper towels. And yes, the last photo is my attempt to make a spider on our baby's pumpkin. Audriana wanted to make sure her baby brother's pumpkin was festive... I did my best.

 Lastly, we painted an assortment of randomness. She was in the painting mood, so we went with it! The few others we put together were done with nothing more than a sharpie, paint brushes, and paper plates!

 She's such an artist! ;) I'm loving this age where she is so independent, and I can enjoy her artistic individuality. Although they're bittersweet moments. My little girl is growing up so quickly before my very eyes.

Friends, family, food ... and FALL

Not exactly sure how to approach this particular post. It was just something that came upon me in a split second. While eating my lunch, I suddenly realized "...it's already September, which means four weeks from October, MEANING Harvest Homecoming is just around the corner!!!!" Yes, that's about how my thought processing goes... 

For those unfamiliar with Harvest Homecoming... your loss... it's an annual festival here in our little town. Although, the reasoning to why it's so anticipated is every individual's opinion. MINE? Ooooh man. It's all about the food!! I'm not sure how it became any better than any other food festival, but it is certainly #1 in my opinion. Specifically, the chicken and dumplings from Redmen's Club (no link available) has set a permanent place in my heart... and stomach. I assure you a photo does it no justice, but what the heck! Here's the deliciousness I immediately bulls-eye towards every.single.year.  

photo credit

And to make sure you understand my love for these things is a serious ordeal, here's a typical photo of our usual stock pile on the last day of the festival.

 So you get the idea. I'm a fan.

Another reason I love Harvest Homecoming, is simply because I'm a real sucker for FALL!!! It truly marks fall's arrival; the weather, the food, and of course any and all family oriented events. Festivals are always a great excuse to get the fam together, chow down on great food and enjoy the surroundings/music/you name it. I sound like a real mom right now... but it's true! I love having reasons to meet up with friends and family.  

Here's some fun memories of the past few years at Harvest. For this particular event you don't even have to plan on meeting anyone, because most likely they'll already be there. It's a small town... you WILL see everyone! :)

 Yes, the bottom right photo is the very first day my sweet girl tasted the infamous dumplings! Mommy was not about to let her leave without that experience... and she loved them, as expected. ;) 

Here's some fun past times at Huber's Winery; another fun experience for family and friends during the fall season!!! Wine, cheese, music... and maybe a heavy jacket (borrowed from a friend's dad) when you've under dressed for that cool evening. Ha. It's never failed to be one of my favorite outings. I cannot wait! Although, the wine will have to be set aside this year. 

 And not to mention their infamous pumpkin patch!! We've made that a tradition each year, as well. Audriana was a year old when she picked her first pumpkin, and I cannot believe the age progression in these photos. My how she has grown!! I have to say I love the bottom right photo where she's dominating that caramel apple. Ha! That's my girl.

And my other favorite... fail.

Not only am I looking forward to all the events this fall, but the weather change will certainly be nice! I'm over the heat, and ready for some coats & scarves! We always want what we don't have (come winter, I'll be wishing for warmth and sunshine), but fall has never been a disappointing season... always a pleasure!! 

... 6 more weeks. But who's counting? ;)