...autumn approaches...

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~ George Eliot

today was gorgeous. a perfect pre-fall day.
brisk enough to grab a jacket on my way out the door this morning.
golden warmth and a cool breeze.
did i mention it was gorgeous?

my wonderful cousin, joy, and i both have the hour before lunch free and, being that today marked the return of the pumpkin spice latte at starbucks, we made took a little trip for a cup our favorite seasonal beverage.

these two peanuts tagged along for the adventure.

we shared drinks and donuts on the outside patio.
hot coffee. warm sun. umbrellas flapping in the breeze.
smooth jazz playing on the outside radio.
audrey and daniel slowly scooted farther and farther away from us.
they must have wanted some alone time.
you're never too young to have a best friend.
joy and i giggled. we felt like chaperons on their first date.
audrey talked about being old enough for her and daniel to go to starbucks on their own.
joy and i giggled some more.
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...a side note...

if you haven't noticed, i cleared away all my old posts, save one (i just couldn't bring myself to delete the video of ethan and audrey from nearly two years ago).those stories have been boxed up and placed in the attic of my mind. memories stored up like treasures. gathering dust. waiting to be unpacked...one day.

so this is it. the official rebirth of my blogging life.

before i leave you tonight...a few more things i'm thankful for (just one more thing i've dropped the ball on...but at least i'm attempting to pick it back up and get in the game)

...in case you missed what i've already posted on my gratitude list...
#1 redemption
#2 friends - new and old, near and far
#3 road trips
#4 the written word
#5 music
#6 inside jokes
#7 watching the wind blow through a field of tall grass
#8 the night sky
#9 laundry fresh out of the dryer
#10 nook color
#11 iced coffee
#12 warm breezes
#13 "staying left and keeping left"
#14 my own bed
#15 getting lost in worship
#16 the tangible presence of God
#17 coming home
#18 going barefoot
#19 snail mail
#20 catching up

#21 Pumpkin Spice Lattes

* After Daniel got a look inside Joy's coffee cup, he was quite concerned that she might be drinking dirt...it was priceless*

#22 Audrey

#23 Ethan

#24 Miles

#25 Isaac

#26 Josiah

*Pictured here with his dear friend Bethany....I chose this picture because Josiah is one of the most loving people you will ever meet*

#27 Daniel

#28 the hope of autumn
#29 jacket weather
#30 crisp evenings