A different kind of fall

As much as I hate to see summer wave it's farewell, I have always loved the arrival of fall and all of its glory. It's a good thing this season is forced upon us, because I would remain forever a resident of summer. One of my favorite things about fall is unpacking the fall decorations. At our house, this is a pretty big day. The older Davises love the nostalgia that comes with the sights and smells as the boxes are opened. The youngest of our clan is simply excited with all things pumpkin-ish and, of course, loves to help find a special place for each treasured item.

This year's unpacking was, admittedly, bittersweet for me. Last year, when I was opening those special storage chests, enjoying the aroma of fall that come with the first crack of the lid, life was normal; well, Washington normal. We had no idea how much our lives were going to change in just two months, in fact, with the change of season. We were busy decorating with pumpkins and leaves, cutting beautiful fall colored berries off the trees, even getting ready for the wedding of a friend. Then the fall storm blew in. 

I am so grateful that my sweet friends affirmed my decision to decorate for Christmas early, on Thanksgiving weekend. It went against every bit of my liturgical year style, but I really wanted to make sure that everything got packed carefully. I also knew how fast we would need to be working and that if I didn't do it then, it wouldn't happen at all. So the fall decorations were packed away early, more carefully than usual. And up went Christmas, on the tail of the turkey. You will never know how much that helped me cope with the holiday weekend. 

Thanksgiving was usually a really hard time for me. I was always extremely homesick that weekend, knowing that my family was together. Last year, Scott was in Tennessee with them as he was interviewing for jobs. Ouch. The decorating was a much needed distraction.

So, when I opened those fall boxes this year, I was greeted with all the familiar sights and smells, and new plans for where all those treasures would find a place. But I was also greeted with a welcomed and unexpected happiness. This year the fall will find me celebrating with my family. The napkin rings will bear the names of those I hold most dear.  I have marveled at the fact that this season of my life, I would probably not have chosen willingly. Just as the Father wrestles me away from summer and thrusts me into fall, he wrestled me away from what I knew and loved, and thrust me into a different place that I also know and love.

A different kind of fall, indeed.

                                              

My baby brudder got married

My brother, Casey, wed his love last night in Orlando.

We welcome with joyful hearts Susie and her daughter Hannah into our family!
I have a new sister and a new niece.
AWESOME!

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Casey Nichols Jr.

Casey and Susie, I so wish we could have been there.

I know it was beautiful!

God bless this new family.

Happy St. Pio day!

                                                  

We had St.Pio Pasta and Cappuccino mousse for dinner. We also had pineapple juice, because that was one of his favorite things to drink.

Charlotte over at Waltzing Matilda has a few coloring pages for artists of all ages to enjoy.

St Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us!

Confirmation needs it's own post...don'tcha think?

It was beautiful...

Rachel Nichole Joan 

Zachary James Jose

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your spirit and they shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, 

Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Summer photo dump

Ahhhh summer, why do you have to leave us so soon? (Actually it's just starting to get to a temperature here where you can stand being outside for more that 45 seconds....think summer in the northwest.)

Out of respect for the season that is leaving us today....I'm going to take this opportunity to post summertime pictures that just never quite made it to this space (because of my time, not because of picture unworthiness).

Before driver's permit/after driver's permit... the smile says it all

 

 These are from our anniversary in May. We went canoeing on a lake. It was a tad less stressful than our last anniversary.

Danny and Zachary had a great time fishing together. They competed in a fishing derby (Zach was Danny's coach) and Danny won a trophy. We got to eat the catfish for dinner. Bonus!

4th of July goodies

It was a summer filled with swimming. Every morning we were at the pool by 7:30. 

Rach loved it.

Here she is on the "fly".

These next several are from the Smoky Mountain Invitational. It's the biggest swim meet in the country.

2016?

Okay, now THAT'S a slip n' slide. We were at our friends the Smith's house. A quote from the day, "Dude, that was aweome!" 'Nuff said.

Rachel and Clare. 

The Dimock's were in Nashville for a conference and we had the pleasure of spending a day with them. It was so good to see some friends from WA in our neck of the woods.

We spent a day at the river with our friends the Henderson's. Super great family. We had such a fun time and found out that we have mutual friends. Fr. Paul Grala and Sr. Miriam James. Small world and all that.

Don't let him grab you by the toe!

Farewell dear summer. We enjoyed you and part with such sweet sorrow. Please come again soon to woo us with your loveliness.