sunday morning at the market

this morning we all woke up rather cheery after sleeping in past our normal 6:30 am wake up time.  it felt like vacation.  i had been feeling pretty off for the last few days with sore everything and crazy roller coaster hormones, so to spring out of bed with enough energy to cook chili and walk around and play legos felt great.  our little pumpkin has been wanting a itty bitty pumpkin of her very own as of late and today was as good as any to get one.  soon after breakfast, we put on our cozy sweaters and went down to our favorite place in the city, the market.

andrew and i both feel there is something so special about the crisp autumn air in the morning.  we've always loved taking the longest, eyes-closed, head-back breaths when we take walks in it.  getting as much of it in our lungs as possible.  this morning downtown was no exception.  the air was perfect.  the sun was shining.  it was so refreshing.  so relaxing.  so fulfilling.  we  love it when sundays start like this one did. 

as we walked around breathing autumn in slowly, appreciating each gulp, the market sang to us with beauty and creativity.  we saw artists painting in solitude all over the lawn in the park, an energetic jazz musician playing hits from charlie parker, pumpkins and gourds in all colors, spicy thai peppers ready to be canned, handmade quilts, golden leaves sprinkled about, and the most perfectly tiny, round pumpkin for stella.  in her darling red suspenders she hugged about a couple dozen pumpkins before picking out just the right one.  it melted our hearts.  she found a symmetrical little beaut and took a nap with it today.

before heading home for a lazy afternoon of football and chili, we spotted the sweetest red table for our home down at the flea.  it was sitting high up on top of another piece of furniture, shining down on us from afar, and just happened to be the perfect price.  you guys, i love stumbling upon treasures like these!  they make our home feel more homey and original.  it now sits next to our velvet chairs like it's always been there and makes for the perfect pop of color.  you betcha we're keeping her red.   

when nana & papa visit KC

my parents came to visit this labor day weekend from iowa and stella could not have been more thrilled to have them here.  she made a sign for them earlier that morning and we hung it on our front door to welcome them after a long drive.  it was a pretty low key visit which gave us plenty of time to hang out together and relax.  as always when people come to our neck of the woods, we tried to show them a good ol' kansas city time taking them to some of our favorite places.  

the weather here has been hot and quite humid, so we let stella cool off at the splash pad on saturday afternoon.  she spent the entire time concentrating on filling buckets with water.  as other kiddos ran around screaming, she just took her bucket to and fro filling it at various fountains wth concentrated brows.  we walked home passing the ducks and beautiful summer blooms that were swarming with bees and butterflies.  living close to the park is pretty great.

for lunch we dined at the westside local over in one of our favorite neighborhoods.  the restaurants and shops over in the westside of kansas city, missouri are lovely and quaint.  they always promise a good time.    

after lunch and afternoon naps, the adults headed out to watch a sporting KC match.  my parents had never been to the new soccer complex and they loved the vivacious atmosphere.  we sat close to the crazy cauldron fans which was nothing short of exhilarating.  don't get me wrong, it was sweltering hot, but fun nonetheless.  nothing that a giant blue lemonade couldn't fix. ;)

sunday brought with it a visit to the river market after the most beautiful early morning rain storm.  is there anything better than waking up to rain?  i think not.  it was one of those rains where you pull the covers up tight around your neck and snuggle in closer to your husband.  this morning stella came in early so i had two snuggle bunnies to keep warm next to.  we stayed in bed a little longer than usual watching lion king which stella calls "lion show".  she is all about the lions.

at the river market we admired the colorful bouquet and seasonal vegetables as musicians played guitar on various corners.  one man was playing a gorgeous version of leonard cohen's "hallelujah".  while walking around, we spotted many gorgeous cowboy boots at the flea.  i love thinking about the stories behind all those boots and the interesting tales they must tell.  

with rumbling tummies, we made way to the crosroads to lulu's for some thai food.  sundays and thai food just go so well together.  my dad had never been to lulu's in particular and said he would for sure like to go back sometime.  for someone who is a pretty harsh critic regarding most things food, that is a high compliment.  

the rest of the weekend included trying some seasonal fall beer (finally pumpkin flavored everything is here!), papa playing dress up with stella, everyone sharing nibbles of crumpets and apple fritters, and just being all around goofy.  we sure love it when they come see us and hope to see them soon.  grandparents really do make everything better.  just ask stella!   

how we do summer // part II

we picnic most of our meals in our make-shift backyard across the street.

we try new restaurants.  this past weekend we ate at the mixx.  blue cheese steak sandwiches.  need i say more?  i didn't think so. 

we get treasures from our markets.  

we go on family walks after dinner.  

we share italian ice. 

we sleep in.

we frequent the river market on sundays. 

we can't wait to kiss our main squeeze when he gets home from work.

we get our hair done by stella on the weekend in bed. 

we learn about the life of "pitters" (caterpillars) in bed. 

summer, we are smitten with you.  we would say don't ever leave us, but then we wouldn't appreciate you so much!  while you are with us, we will frolic in your warm air and devour your garden goods.  

to see how we do summer part I head over here.