Fall break and a special visitor

Sunday, October 17, 2010 |
I am so far behind in postings. Life has been crazy busy in our home. I'm looking forward to popping over and see what you've all been up to the past few weeks.

We recently enjoyed a wonderful visit with my son Nicholas. He came home just in time to enjoy the amazing beauty of a true autumn in New England. We were delighted to meet his girlfriend, Lauren. She is a lovely young lady inside and out.

For a little behind the scenes information, when Nicholas was growing up I felt it was very important to have his friends in our home. This provided me the opportunity to see the types of friends he chose to spend time with as well his behavior around them. There are a couple of sayings that I've heard over the years. They go something like ... your friends are the reflection of who you really are and, show me your friends and I'll know where you're heading in life.

I often hear parents of daughters say that they want to meet the young men their daughters are dating to "check them out" and make sure they will "treat her right." Well, I feel that should apply to both daughters and sons. When Nicholas began dating ~ sorry I have to laugh at this because he really didn't date that much in high school. He was always hanging out with his group {great kids} of friends. Anyway, I felt it was important for Nicholas to bring the young lady to our home for the very same reasons. Secretly, I think he also wanted our approval.

He brought Lauren to Connecticut to meet his family and show her around the area. I assumed that we would share snippets of time between their other outings with friends. I was thrilled that they spent almost all their time with us. It was simply delightful!

They arrived Saturday just time for the Fall Festival. They literally walked through that door and I put them both to work. Without missing a beat Lauren jumped right in as though she had visited before and knew the drill.


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The weather was absolutely gorgeous! The sun was bright with just a little nip in the air. We met a few of our friends there and spent the entire day grazing on our gourmet picnic and laughing.

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Later that night we built a fire on the patio and enjoyed hearing stories about college life. I am going back to school ~ they've got the life!

Check out Nicholas' sunburn. Who would have thought of bringing sunscreen in October?

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To help Lauren feel welcome, I made here a little tray and placed it in her bedroom. I took this before I had a chance to place all the goodies. In it's original state it was black with spaces for photos. It really wasn't my taste so I painted it white and put scrap book paper in the photo slots. There was a letter of welcoming and few items to make her comfortable during her stay.

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In the course of conversation, I learned that she had never been to an apple orchard, never tasted cider, nor had a carmel apple. Hmmm, we needed to do something about this and quick. After all, you can't visit New England and not check these off your list. Mission accomplished when we sent them back to North Carolina.

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One of the last apple presses. The cider is amazing! The doughnuts, fritters, and pies aren't bad either ;)

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 A sweet little shop and sitting area to enjoy your apple and pumpkin goodies.



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I love this old iron fence.

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Freshly picked pumpkins from the patch.

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While the turkey was on the grill {dinner request from Nicholas} we busied ourselves with making carmel apples.

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We had several different toppings. I went with the mini chocolate chips and crushed pretzels. Yummy ~ sweet and salty! I caught my husband licking his fingers after "taste testing" a few of the leftovers. I think we'll need to make a few more before the season is over.
Helpful tip for sticky carmel ~ use the non stick aluminum foil

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Nicholas wanted a couple of photos with the dogs. Let me just tell you that this is no easy feat. I thought it was hard to photograph small children but I think I may have found more challenging subjects. Thank Bentley and Bozley for offering a little comic relief ~ ugh!


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This is the best we could do before they had to be on their way.

It was GREAT having my little guy home and I had tears running down my face as I said good~bye. I am so proud of the young man he has become and I was very impressed with the gentlemanly manner he exhibits towards Lauren. I think it's a goal of all mothers with sons that they become true gentleman.

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23 comments:

Town and Country House said...

Looks like a great weekend, and they are a darling couple! You are right; it is a mother's joy to see her sons treat women with respect and kindness.

Kathy said...

I hope I'm writing a post like this about my boys some day! I'm glad you had such a nice visit. It sounds like you were a wonderful hostess & Lauren was treated to a lovely weekend.

Was thinking of you this last weekend...can't wait to hear about that one as well. Are you still standing? :)

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jo,

What a sweet and lovely post and you must be so proud of your handsome Son.
They make such a beautiful couple and I wish them all the very best.
Looks like a great weekend was had by all. Love the photos taken with your sweet dogs and how Bentley, has grown so much.

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Henley on the Horn said...

What a lovely couple! It's nice to see your son happy and well. You were the BEST host! Wow! Those caramel apples were gorgeous!

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

They make a very lovely/handsome couple! I love all the photos with the dogs too. I miss a Cider Mill in the Fall....they just don't have them down here in NC. There is nothing like fresh Cider and donuts!

Suburban Princess said...

Aww they are adorable!!!

Looks like you had a wonderful weekend!

Lauren said...

What a wonderful weekend! You are so thoughtful...I love the welcome tray that you created for Lauren! Such a fantastic hostess!
P.S. On a side note, I love the two metal pumpkins on your porch! I noticed AFTER oohing and ahhing over your beautiful family...and puppies!

Carolina Mama said...

Jo! What an adorable couple! Gorgeous! You are the best Hostess! And you look like her college roommate making the caramel apples! :) I don't know if she is from the South, but you look like one of the best Hostesses! Glad it was so fun and all the best to the cute couple!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post. You have raised a great man. What a wonderful mom you are. Lauren is a lucky girl to be apart of such a wonderful, warm and caring family.
Linda Marsh
Ocala, Fla

Mel said...

You are a good mama! My mom always said that she liked the boys that could have a conversation with her. She didn't trust the ones that couldn't...
Good lookin couple! Love the pics with the bullies - the paws on the pup are huge. He is going to be a big boy!!

French Basketeer.com said...

Sweet post, Jo~ you are a very proud Mom and with good reason! They make an adorable couple, and I love all the New England pics....

Dee Stephens said...

What an awesome post! Handsome son and his girlfriend is a cutie! Great pictures with the dogs!
As far as the apples..I need to make some of those. Never thought of the pretzels.
And..Lauren had never been to an apple orchard? WOW! It's one of my favorites!

Kacey said...

So sweet...this post put a smile on my face! Everytime I see your pictures I tell my husband he needs to take me to New England in the fall. It looks so beautiful and cozy at the same time.

Tessa said...

I'm taking tips for in about 15 years from now. What a beautiful couple and what a fun weekend. New England in fall - nothing better!! Thanks for your sweet comment today!! XO, Tess

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

I loved this post. It exudes peacefulness and your photos are just the best, as always. How do you get them so big? :) xoxo

Lorri said...

How fun are you!?! I bet Lauren loved meeting you!

Stephanie Hunter said...

hi Jo--it was so great to meet you today! I LOVE your blog! I have to make that sunday salad ASAP... Hope to see you again soon! - Stephanie

LuLu said...

You are the best mom! Such a tender post. They are such a sweet couple. This post has me thinking of my children getting older and when they start dating. how i pray they meet someone with such kindness.
xo,
LuLu

JMW said...

What a great weekend treat for you guys! They are a cute couple! You can certainly take credit for what a gentleman he is and the fact that he wanted to spend as much time with his family as he did. Love the shots of them with the pups - too funny!

bevy said...

What a precious couple. And YOU look lime you are their age too!

I know what you mean about your children's friends. So very important!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Looks like a lot of fun! Loving all of your pics. Super cute pups!

Privet and Holly said...

Your husband must
have been an excellent
role model for your
sweet boy! Darling
pics of what must have
been a wonderful weekend.
Everything looks so
cozy and tasty ~ and
the kids are adorable,
as are the pups!
xx Suzanne

Pemberley said...

She's really cute! I got your note - so glad you like the wreath.

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