A picture from almost 3 years ago, with DD and cousin A. 

The family went to a neighbor's party last evening...an Autumn gathering to visit, eat, and chat before the cold weather keeps us all (mostly) indoors.  Even our dog got into the act, visiting with the host's dog.  The host has a 5 year old daughter who spends time with DD and her babysitter a few days a week, so they had a great time getting together, playing games, and playing with the dog.  (Their dog is less than 2 years old, and still a very playful, but strong, "puppy" who is slightly bigger than our 60-lb. dog).  If you're not used to that, he can surprise you!  He spent a lot of his time running off with objects...shoes, toys, cups, etc.  Everyone brought an item to share...there was a lot of comfort food...corn chowder, soup, stuffed shells, pumpkin pie, cookies, etc.  Mmmmmm!  I brought my latest specialty...chicken quesadillas.

We ended the evening outside (temp was about 40 F) around a fire pit.  A great end to the night made better by the fact we remembered to bring a blanket!  It was, at least, an improvement from the night before, when we had a frost sufficient to kill all of the impatiens DD planted this Summer.

Earlier in the day, DD and I went to a local fire department for "Safety Day."  She made some new friends there, and enjoyed all they had to offer.  Kudos to the Department for all the information slipped in around the fun.  We went to a "smoke trailer" where we learned how to get down low when there's smoke, and escape thru a window into the arms of a firefighter in full gear , including mask & goggles (to teach the children not to fear firefighters), DD also learned how to tell our address to a 911 operator and how to "stop, drop and roll," and I had the opportunity to put out an engine fire with a fire extinguisher.  It's great to be able to practice with realistic, but safe, situations!