Late Have I Loved Thee

In life, we will inevitably devote our time to one aspect of our lives over another; for example one may read a book instead of weeding the garden or... one may post a blog entry over finishing the dishes.  In this case, I went on vacation for a really long time and the only victim in this scenario (beside me staying at my parents' house for 6 incredibly long weeks) was my little fledgling blog.  I was convinced we lost her for good, until this morning, while I was doing the dishes and felt heroically compelled to resuscitate new life into it.
Now, to detail the events of the last 4 months or so with you would be a superb and epic disaster.  So here is the abridged version:

JUNE - Richard abandons us to unfamiliar secular society and mumbles something about work and how he'd pray for us.  The kids and I adjust slowly to Canadian culture and all those sales taxes.  More specifically, we settle into Nonno and Nonna's house: Ezra claims the hammock, Simon is introduced to the notion of T.V. and develops zombie eyes; Mila, overjoyed that her cousin is not another boy, hugs her and never lets go; and Augustin disappears into the hands of Nonna (she has cookies).

JULY - Richard resurfaces.  There is a lovely Meloche Reunion and we part ways for another 10 years.  We drive down to Florida, stopping in Savannah, GA., and visiting friends.  We live at the beach for the remainder of the month soaking in all its salty deliciousness.

 Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, Georgia.  Glorious.

 This is Flannery O'Connor's childhood home.  Richard is just 

making sure the banister is still in good condition.

Around the town.  

Literally, I took this from our car as Richard careened passed it.

I really like this shot.  I wish I could cut out all the cars but the cobblestone pathway

 and the sweetly penetrating gaze more than make up for it.  

 Introducing ourselves to Savannah.

 A child and his scooter will never be parted.

Hang on buddy!

Now you see me...

Now you don't.

Legoland fun.

Yes, this is still Legoland, if you can believe this hidden botanical beauty is actually at Legoland.  Hidden but there.

She is made up completely of Legos...not Mila but the other lady.

Still Legoland. Loved it.

Visiting beautiful Historic Melbourne Florida. 

This is what the car ride looked like like inside the car at any given moment.

AUGUST - Like many refugees, sad, sandy and out of sorts, we resettle into our little town and our sweet home.  Once that is done,  I go on a retreat at the Benedictine Abbey.  

SEPTEMBER - We get back into our routine  and I am happy to release the 1st edition of  the Meloche Household Chore Chart.  I am quite proud of it.  The kids think it's rot but, who cares? Mama needs help and help is here by way of three little and very capable children.  Thank you God for children to help bear the load ...and fold the laundry.  In addition to this, we have been immersing ourselves in some wonderful books (by E. Nesbit) all the while Mila has kept her mind firmly focused on her upcoming 9th birthday.

 Nothing says September like baked Cinnamon Apple Chips.  

Mila's pet rabbit, Prince Charles, won first place during our town's Frontier Days celebration.

I see you.

Meet the Bunny Cake.