Top 5 things I love about fall

I love the fall. It's always been my favorite season. To drive and look at the trees, see the combines finishing harvest, watch kids run through the apple orchards, smell the firepits at night...I love it all. A few of my favorites this year...

1. Beautiful fall colors...this year seems more beautiful than ever. In fact, the other day, Emma says..."Mom, I see a rainbow!" We were under so many trees that I couldn't see the sky so I told her she'd have to show it to me when we got out from under the trees. She then said, "No, mom, the trees are the rainbow." Sure enough there were red, orange, yellow, green and purple trees within a few feet of each other.

2. The pumpkin patch. Each Saturday we drive by the pumpkin patch on our way to soccer and those vivid orange pumpkins call my name. I love the taste, the carving, and the smell of the seeds baking. Mmm...

3. Baking. I like to bake, but having the year off has allowed me the time to really enjoy it. Nothing beats the smell of hot apple crisp.

4. Footie pajamas. Yep, one of my favorite things about fall...especially when you place 3 cute kiddos inside them. They're warm, they're comfortable, and there is something about them that invites snuggling. I haven't ventured into the adult wearing of them...but on the girls...definitely.

5. Football season. I'm not an avid viewer of football, but cheering for the Hawkeyes (and the Xavier Saints) is a must around our house. I love the anticipation of the game, the food and beverage that accompanies it, and watching my family and friends as they enjoy the game. Watching my kids become "pro-athletes" if only for a minute, and Mark unable to sit down in nervous excitement, always brings a smile to my face. My nerves are about shot from the number of close calls (broken lights, picture frames, appendages) that we have almost encountered playing football in the house.