I almost forgot it was Halloween! How is it possible that I could forget it was Halloween, you ask? The main reason is that we did a disappearing act for Halloween this year. That’s right, we just left town and headed up to Northern New Mexico. We don’t even have cell phone coverage! No candy, no costumes, no tricks. Just our little family, lots of quiet, good food, lovely views and (some) chocolate and ice cream.

Lake house view

We actually do enjoy Halloween but the candy is a bit much for little ones and since Mia isn’t really aware of the whole concept yet, and our neighbors’ lovely lake house was available, we decided to come up here instead. We have plenty of time for Mia to decide on her own costumes in the not-so-far-future.

Since we’re on our first official vacation since returning to the U.S. in May, I’m taking the opportunity to provide you all with a photo update. So here we go, starting with some random fall photos…

Choosing her own clothes means interesting outfits

The stroller is still a sleeping machine!

Dinosaurs and dear friends

Funky mirrors at Explora

Can I bring all of this?

Train ride to Santa Fe

Where is Papa?

Reading time

She is really into packing up and wants to bring it all with her.

Growers Market on a cool fall morning

Mia taking selfies

Purple dino toes

Swing high!

Mama and Mia

She wanted to wear a sari after reading a library book “Mama’s Saris”

Cleaning up is fun with a vacuum just her size

We had a GIRLS’ TRIP weekend with a visit from two of our best friends & one of their daughters. Aaron escorted our troupe around town for most of the weekend. We had a ball and have decided to make it an annual adventure. [Sidenote — We might even allow the guys and kids to join for part of future trips, location TBD.] We ate a lot of good food, talked, played drums and cards, and checked out our local parks and science museum. It was awesome.

M and M at dinner

Big M with glasses (super cool “kid toy” provided by local dining establishment)

Big M loves the drums

Big M teaching Little M card tricks

Bubbles!

Bubbles!

Play time

Building blocks

What can we make?

Check out this!

Relaxing

Air and motion

Flying the wind plane

Look at the plane go!

Wind blown pilot

Bumpy slide!

Ms. J and Miss M.

Mama and Mia

Bumpy slide for everyone

Comfy nap spot for Miss M.

Early patio dinner and Mia slept the whole time

Oh and back to this lake house thing…We have the COOLEST neighbors in the world; they  are sooooo generous and gracious to share their special place with friends and family. Besides the actual house, they built a gorgeous play house for their twin granddaughters; Mia is a big fan. This morning, Mia said, “Mama, I like lake houses.” They not only allow us to stay here, they encourage it! Pat and Steve — you guys are awesome!

We like to travel during nap time

Driving north

Classic NM

Lake house view

Mia had to try out every one of the small chairs

Low lake and dam

Where is all the water?

Looking over the edge

Navigating the stairs

Playhouse kitchen

The ultimate playhouse

Complete with a swing (in the shade) and place for adult to stand and push

Tool table in playhouse

Working hard

The petite trailblazer

Hope you all have a wonderful Halloween! Check back next year, at which time, I am sure our 4-year old will have told us in advance exactly what she wants to be and exactly what she wants to do for this holiday.  p.s. For those of you who are still freaking out about no cell phone coverage (!!), don’t worry: we do have marginal coverage. We can get/send texts but can’t seem to make or receive phone calls. And obviously, we do have WiFi. Whew!