Sometimes You Have To Stop and Smell the Apple Cider Donuts

Happy Monday!

Sometimes it feels like the weekend is just long enough to get caught up and then it's over. That's how this weekend felt for me. Maybe it's because my mind has been preoccupied with the Phase 4 Portfolio that's coming due in a few weeks. I always get myself so worked up over these requirements. This one has been especially hard because my focus this semester has been on teaching, not on course work. Not to mention it's the last step before graduation!  :)

Anyway, I was getting myself ready to spend the entire day at the library on Saturday when Riley came into the kitchen ready to talk.  She wanted to tell me a story.  She wanted to tell me about something that happened at school.  She wanted to tell me about what she wants to do with her pumpkin and about her costume, and on and on and on.  She needed my attention.  She needed me. As hard as it was, I knew I needed to abandon my plans for school work and spend some time with her and Nick.  So, that's what we did.  We got in the car and went to the Pumpkin Patch.

 It's been years since I've been there and not much has changed. :)

 We had so much fun walking around and seeing the animals.

Ry especially liked her pumpkin with purple hair. 

It ended up being a perfect fall day and I'm glad I didn't miss out on it. I have not always been good about turning off my "school mode" for "family mode".  It's been a difficult at times to balance as I work to finish my degree.  Saturday was one of those days that I realized that sometimes the best moments are the ones that aren't in the original plan. Sometimes you have to stop and smell the apple cider donuts. :)