we headed up to the lake this afternoon. the smell of pine needles on a warm, sunny day so strong. it's one of my fondest memories from visits to my grandparent's cottage in rural New Hampshire as a child. i hope my children will come to know this smell, too.

i'm amazed at how few people were there on such a beautiful fall afternoon. when i feel as though i'm not doing a good enough job, i feel comforted by the fact that my children love being outside, and never miss a chance to explore.