First Fire

Today was a picturesque autumn day. We sat outside, watching the clouds rush across the sky, casting cold shadows and revealing glimpses of piercing sunlight. The toddler ran around with his two pieces of chalk, chalking up the driveway, the pumpkins, the (poor) front door.

And everyone knows what one must do on such a perfectly autumnal day, such as today.

Stick the brownies in the oven.

And of course you'll want to make a cup of hot cocoa. In your favorite mug. With extra marshmallows (because not even Swiss Miss Marshmallow Lovers will cut it).

Prepare the fireplace.

Get ready. Get set.

And enjoy that warm, inviting fire with your 16 month old, who will of course find it literally inviting and will have to be threatened with stern voices and repeated no-no's to stay away from the flames; and consequently, it will not be such a peaceful fire, but the first fire of fall nonetheless.