This past weekend we packed up the truck and went straight from MM’s first ever soccer practice to Newport for a quick mini vacation. We were there only 24 hours- but it was the perfect respite away as a family.

The town brought all the fall feelings- from the crisp sea air to the season’s first burnt leaves on the ground.

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.

Christmas is in five days, and I really can't believe it. It's crazy how time flies the older you get- and times that by ten when you start to have a tiny tribe of your own. We've been hardcore about  Christmas activities this year, starting way back before Thanksgiving when we took a trip on the Polar Express in Essex, CT. Yes, this year we've covered a lot of holiday territory; and in case you're in need of a little last minute cheer, I've compiled a list of five {semi-local} things you still have time to do before the big day arrives:

Over the weekend I conducted another very helpful poll on my Insta Stories. It's one of my favorite new features on Instagram, and lets me know a little more about what ya'll are looking for, and how I can make this little blog of mine better.

I asked what you wanted to see more of here at LL; and the overwhelming majority of you answered that you wanted to see more of my favorite things to do here in CT. Just in time for our local giveaway. 

Schedule

This past week we packed up the kiddos and headed to one of our favorite local farms, Silverman's Farm in Easton, CT. My husband and I have been going for the last four years- sometimes for the apple picking, sometimes for the pumpkins, always for the apple cider donuts. 

Schedule

BBQ's, Fireworks, Baseball and Lemonade Stands do All-American summers make.

Growing up, I can remember whipping up a batch of lemonade and setting up shop at the end of our street, eagerly awaiting to greet thirsty customers and collect my coins on a hot summer day. It's a quintessential summer memory, and one that I had hoped to share with MM one day.

Schedule

This Connecticut summer has been a tricky one- weeks of sweltering heat and then, suddenly, it feels like fall. And while some members of my family wish that summer lasted all year long, this mama loves that sweet sweater weather more than cake. Which I love. A lot.

Schedule

Now that my mini is essentially a toddler- one with a lot of energy and very little desire to nap- I rely on our daily acitivities big time. Maddie loves getting out of the house and exploring- exerting that energy, meeting new people, seeing new things, and learning about her ever-growing world. I sometimes forget just how amazing it is to watch her see something for the first time- like a turkey gobble as it wobbles right before her; a llama kissing its mama; or a cow licking its nose.