This little face all excited to get home to her dada after a week away in a vineyard paradise |

A week back from vacation and boy does it feel good to be home. Yes, I miss the breezy perfection that was the nor-cal air; but nothing beats mornings waking up in our cozy home with my two loves. And since our trip out west kicked Maddie into a routine of 12 hour sleeps, I've had a little extra energy to spruce up the house, organize MM's wardrobe (this girl's a-growing) and spend some extra time in the kitchen during these last few dog days of summer. Hope you're enjoying the last licks of the season! Happy Friday!

This special hand-painted birthday present from two very special guys that I finally got around to framing this week |

A pair of fall-ready boots for MM from Nana, the shoe fairy |

When I was young, I used a step stool handmade by my pops to reach the bathroom sink. For MM's birthday, he made her this beauty, and I can't wait for her to brush her teeth while using it. Also, these crocs are her new obsession. Even though they're way too big.