A Season of Gratitude | and sheep costumes
We spent the last few days chasing around two very cute sheep. This was the first holiday as a family of four that we’ve really been able to get out there (without a stroller) and do the things that people do on Halloween (I guess… it’s never been my jam).
I picked up matching sheep costumes for Grace + Nick on a whim, and it was probably the best Target money I’ve ever spent. Which is saying something. They took to them instantly, crawling around our condo for hours (as Grace pointed out, “sheeps use all of their legs for walking”). They made their public debut at the Cape this weekend, where we hit up the annual Green Halloween at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. The museum was open (and admission was super discounted — $5 for kids, free for accompanying adults) and full of fun Halloween activities and surprises.
On Sunday, we took my aunt Mary’s suggestion and brought our sheep to CJ’s Horse Ranch in West Barnstable for their Halloween Fun Day. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a pair of sheep ride ponies. After a tractor tour and the pony rides, Grace and Nick got to meet and trick-or-treat with the horses.
Everyone was so kind and generous, and our kids had so much fun at both events. As I scrolled through the 890 photos I took, I kind of couldn’t believe they were real. The whole weekend was pure magic.
A SEASON OF GRATITUDE
As I lit my soy Christmas tree scented candle this morning (it’s time), I knew I wanted that feeling of the weekend’s magic to last. I knew I wanted to avoid the overwhelm that often sets in this time of year, as best I can. I knew I wanted to soak up all that wonder and joy on my kids’ faces. I knew I wanted to focus on the things that matter… which basically, aren’t things. And I kept coming back to gratitude. So I made us a printable chart thing. Because that’s who I am, for better or worse.
I’m planning to take a few minutes each night during this holiday season to write about gratitude– who and what I’m grateful for, etc. And I’d love for you to join me, if you’re interested. Feel free to use #gratitudeOTFT when sharing on social. Wouldn’t it be lovely to see what everyone is feeling grateful for?
click to download your free printable gratitude list
I’ll be sharing my list (likely weekly) here and on Instagram stories as well. (And if it goes well, I promise to make us a new list for December…)
Also On Tap for Today:
- The Hidden Meaning of Kids’ Shapes and Scribbles from The Atlantic
- Loving the interview with Steve Kerr on this episode of Pod Save America
- Catching up on laundry, dishes + a fun painting project
Let’s hear it… what are you feeling grateful for today?
