A Timid Winter.

Over the past few weeks, we've been waiting patiently with olive-colored ribbons, cranberry wreaths, and pudgy, stuffed snowmen for the final season of the year. A heavy snowfall mid-October got our fingers itching to christen the new mini-sled, reminded us of the magic awaiting at Denver Zoo Lights, and created a whirlwind of homemade gift ideas (most of which will never see the light of day, sadly). Though I enjoy Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all things Autumnal, there's something incredibly unique and enchanting about December and all of its festive glory.
Now that Thanksgiving has been tucked in, the neighborhood is aglow with stringed lights and an undeniable spirit. It's nearly Christmas time! Despite this, Mother Nature seems a bit hesitant to meet with winter this year. I'm a little inspired by the quiet clash of seasons. For many, many things, it's an undeniable time of chage.

...and the grass is still green...

... there is Russian sage to save and smell...

... and the battle of the seasons continues ...

Dressing up.

Who shall we be today?

Love Naps.

There is something incredibly touching about lying next to somebody who's falling asleep. Beit a baby, a sibling, a lover, or a pet, I've always found it very moving to be with somebody who's comfortable and trusting enough to drift off lying side by side with another person. Of course, if you're tired enough, you can doze just about anywhere, but I'm talking about love naps, here. I appreciate the peacefulness of watching as Gabriel starts rubbing his eyes in the middle of his sleepy stories (our favorites are Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones, and Grandfather Twilight from when I was young), as his small hands find his head and begin playing with his hair, as his eyes begin to slowly close, and he reaches out to lie a hand on me in reassurance... There isn't much that is as calming or as sweet as putting your child gently to sleep.

SpiderGirl Meets Yeti Boy.

Saturday night marked Gabriel's second, and my favorite in rememberance, All Hallows' Eve. With a hodge-podge Yeti costume, Gabriel was eager to tromp outsidse and watch as the little ghoulies and ghosties of the neighborhood swept through the streets and cackled at the moon. The weather was a beautiful and mild 40 to 50, the sky was clear except for a wide, rolling cloud formation of tight waves that floated lightly over a nearly full moon, and the snow had melted from the sidewalks and streets, though was around enough to reflect the eerie moonlight. I can't remember a more perfect Halloween night.
First, Gabriel got acquainted with pumpkin pulp Friday afternoon when he helped scoop out the insides of the two jackolanterns I carved. We learned that he's not a big fan of baked pumpkin seeds, but loves pumpkin bread and looking at the jackolanterns all lit up in the dark. We ran around all of Saturday, and got home just in time to pick up some family members, bring them back home, and get dressed up. As soon as Gabriel saw the first trick-or-treater come to the door, he was hooked. He spent the rest of his pre-outing time plastered to the glass door, waiting for more children to arrive. His cousin Amara, Spiderman!, came over so we could all trick-or-treat together. Though there was a disturbingly little amount of homes with their porch lights on, we all had fun begging for candy and howling at the moon.
Some of the photos below are from Halloween night, and others are of the festive decor we have hiding throughout the house. :)

Hope everybody had fun Haunting!