Fall favorites

It's been a fantastic Fall with Riley. Most notably it's been marked by game playing: Monopoly, UNO, chess, parcheesi, and even now Battleship and backgammon, thanks to Uncle Garrett.

One night, Riley and his buddy Jack took it to the next level, playing UNO, on top of chess, next to Monopoly!

We spent a lot of time appreciating our neighborhood, with a weekly routine of walking to the village farmers' market with Sloane on Sundays. First we'd stop at our favorite coffee shop for freshly squeezed orange juice and often we'd end up at the playground or library, depending on whom we encountered along the way. At the farmers' market we met political candidates, played with friends, picked out the prettiest dahlias and fetishized produce (strawberries for Sloane, heirloom tomatoes for Riley).

One afternoon, we ventured out to see the "little, free library" a neighbor had built in front of her house.

 Riley was utterly delighted by this concept. He picked two books from his own collection to donate and carefully selected titles to take home for him and Sloane.

That day we also examined the Halloween decorations at a house known for its annual elaborate arrangement of ghouls. (Look up!)

Based on his interest in games, Riley was thrilled to find a table full of skeletons playing poker

When school was closed for Veterans' Day, Riley and I had one of our best days ever. We packed up the Monopoly board and enjoyed a rousing game over a nice slow brunch out (our first such date pretty much ever). We selected our favorite bakery treats and worked them off over a lovely hike in Bernal Heights. 

The hike was particularly notable for a few reasons:

1. Knowing we could do anything he desired that day, Riley picked going on a hike over playing at the Exploratorium or any other adventure I suggested.

2. The boy had no fear (or concern about dirt) and immediately began scrambling up very steep hillsides (totally off the main trail).

3. When I showed some apprehension about the danger of the hike, Riley repeatedly assured me telling me he'd protect me. An outdoorsy gentleman in the making!

Another of Riley's favorite Fall days also involved nature...of the muddy variety. This was at the November birthday party for his pal, Collin. They took advantage of a rare 2014 rain the day prior to get as muddy as possible.

I'm not sure about the birthday boy, but Riley certainly drove home in his own birthday suit. 

Finally, a few other random favorite pictures from this Fall.