Daughter was home for her Fall Break from college last week- it was just too short! But we packed a lot in…

Thursday and Friday, she unpacked her backpack in my office, and I enjoyed working and having her right there with me while I worked and she did her homework. Thursday night, we just relaxed at home. How nice to have her here again!

Have you been to one of those “painting parties” yet? There are places popping up all over the place, and it’s so much fun! Here’s how it works- you get a little (or big) group together, choose a painting that you like, make a reservation for that particular class, then show up with snacks/soda/wine and you paint the painting while enjoying the company of your friends. The classes are geared towards ALL skill levels- so anyone can participate and have fun- they walk you through everything step-by-step. We’ve been to a few classes so far. And while I don’t think any of our paintings are going to end up in the Louvre, it’s really fun. There are independent studios as well as franchises- we have been to a couple at Painting with a Twist.

We did a mother/daughter outing on Friday night- me and my friend Dottie, and our daughters. We went to the Painting with a Twist studio in Philadelphia, then afterwards walked over to famous South Street for a late Thai food dinner (YUMMY!!). What a fun “Ladies Night”!!

Saturday night, we visited the cute little historic town of New Castle, Delaware. While we were walking around the town, a lady from the local Episcopal church, built in 1703, invited us in to look around before she locked it up for the evening. It was so beautiful! So historic! I can just imagine the feet walking over those floors, and the prayers and hymns being raised up, in that lovely building over 3 centuries.

Many of the houses were decorated for the season. I love this door- look at how they spelled “Fall” in twigs in the pumpkins over the door!

(By the way, we enjoyed going to New Castle for the Christmas tour last year- see the beautiful home photos here.)

Then we had dinner at the old Jessup’s Tavern, to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday. We love the old tavern ambiance, sitting by the fireplace and being served by costumed staff! For her gift, my husband found a lovely necklace on Etsy made from a 1935 English 6-pence coin- perfect since she was born in England in 1935!

Sunday, we went to church, then had a quick lunch with the kids at a nearby place- have I mentioned how much I love hanging out with my kids?!? I’m gonna brag here- I have the best daughters and son-in-law in the world :)  Then, we came home, and watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Have you seen this movie? I really love it, I’ve seen it several times. It’s about a man who finally manages to courageously step outside of his comfort zone, for a cause bigger than himself. And what amazing adventures he has!! This is different from the book or the original movie, but it’s really great. Also totally appropriate for younger family members- I recommend it for teens and up, I think younger kids might be a little bored (but isn’t nice to find a good movie that everyone can enjoy, without bad language, violence or sex?? So rare…)

Finally, daughter packed up and made her way back to college :(  Now I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving so we can all hang out together again!!