Since Maddie started school two years ago, we’ve loved spending a little time together after pickup- catching up on our days and enjoying an afternoon snack. For the last few years, it has been some of the most precious time for the two of us; or at least for me, as her mom. I get to learn about her day; to take her emotional temperature; to sense how she perceived the way she was treated and what she learned; what made her happy or sad or mad.

Brrr! We went from playing outside without our jackets on Monday to our first snowfall of the season yesterday. And it was chil-ly.

Maddie was so excited at the prospect of a November winter wonderland- she had visions of building snowmen and sledding at the first sound of a chance of snow. And it sort of broke my heart when I had to explain that sometimes a snowfall is just a flurry- or hail- and we may have to wait a bit before we’re building Olaf this winter.

After traveling a bunch the entire month of May and the beginning of June, we finally had a full family weekend at home. And it was just what we needed.

Friday we celebrated Maddie’s birthday with a super low key get together at the house with family. We grilled and enjoyed some good old fashion Carvel ice cream cake and enjoyed our first official BBQ of the season at our house.

Just a few more weeks left in 2018, and its already got me thinking about a few goals for the New Year. Typically, I’m not one for resolutions, but the past few years I’ve taken a liking to setting intentions for the upcoming year- activities I can add to my routine; habits I can incorporate into my daily life; ways to make time for me over the next twelve months.

It’s official, kids: the holidays are upon us.

Whether you delve head first into Christmas as soon as the clock strikes November, or if you like to take your time and give Thanksgiving its moment- It. Is. Happening!

I’m happy to report that this past weekend, it finally felt like fall here in Connecticut. And the Matkovics were happy to welcome the crisp air with open arms.

Friday night Phil and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary with dinner at one of our favorite local spots, Lugano- followed by a fire pit and a bottle of wine and lots of laughs at home, just the two of us.

If I’m being honest, I’d say about ninety percent of our social life revolves around meals. A lot of our family life does, too, as a matter of fact. We’re into food- from green juices to meat and cheese plates and everything in between.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of throwing a fall picnic in celebration of our very special twin nieces’ birthdays.

As fellow autumn lovers, I envisioned an outdoor, rustic vibe for them that was laid-back and whimsical enough for their pre-teen fancies. I’ve attempted to execute a backyard picnic in the past; and I can assure you, it is no easy feat. So this time around I enlisted the help of Dream and Party- a local event planner, party rental, design visionary all in one.

This past weekend was pretty low key- but exactly what we needed after one long week. 

Friday we headed to nearby Darien. I enjoyed a much needed infrared sauna at Inner Light while Phil walked around town with MM. We then met some friends for an early dinner at Bodega, which serves some of the best tacos and Mexican street corn around. 

Two and a half days into a summer sans-camp, and we have been logging some major hours at our local beach.

I'll admit: I was a little intimated at the thought of not having daily structured activities with MM after a full year of school and a few months of camp. But, in some ways, its only now starting to feel like summer time. 

Last month, our girl turned three.

Gosh, where does the time go? 

The past few years I've thrown together some Pinterest-inspired parties- Maddie in Onederland, followed by a sunshine themed brunch to celebrate year two.

Yesterday, I tried to play Supermom.

As someone that quite vocally rejects the idea of the perfect parent, this was entirely out of character. But I woke up inspired: to try to be organized, and responsible, and run like clockwork.