Austin Family Adventures: Fall is my favorite...

Each year, I constantly (and patiently) wait for Autumn to come. I am amazed each year how much I look forward to fall and how much I love this season. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all the seasons but I specifically enjoy Autumn for so many reasons. Between the leaves changing colors, to the chilly weather where you have to wear a sweater, to the fun things there are to do at this time of year, I LOVE this season.

I know it's not everyone's favorite. I understand that some people look at Autumn as the season where everything is dying and it can be dreary but let me share with you just some of my favorite Fall time things. Maybe you'll find something fun for Fall. Also, if you have any favorites that I missed, please let me know! I'd love to soak up as much of this season as I possibly can!

1. Back to School season- I know that school technically starts in the August/September time range but back to school means new wardrobe, new school supplies, Fall sports, and all the excitement of starting with a clean slate.

2. All the pretty colors- There is something that just makes me happy about orange, red, yellow, purple, and black. I love to see those colors together and frankly the Fall leaves are amazing in our area. Just seeing all the leaves changing is beautiful to me.

3. Chilly weather- I LOVE wearing sweaters and having to "bundle" up just a little to go outside. Don't get me wrong, I don't like wearing a ton of layers but I enjoy having to wear scarves and maybe a pair of gloves with a cute sweater. It's also the best sleeping weather. Turn off the AC and open the windows. It makes for those mornings when you just don't want to get out of bed because it's so nice and warm where you are. LOVE it!

4. Fun Fall activities- I remember in high school having barn parties and hay mazes...those fond memories haven't been forgotten and I miss those times. Now that I'm older, I still enjoy corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and haunted houses that come with the Fall season. I love that people go with their families (in their sweaters) to pick out pumpkins, walk through the mazes, or have the every loving crap scared out of them. I don't know of any other season that has so many fun activities.

Noah and Mac carving away

5. All the fantastic smells- Yes I know...it may be crazy but I LOVE the Fall smells. Some of my favorites are pumpkin pie, apple cake (I'll include a fantastic recipe later), apple cider, Bath and Body Works Pumpkin Caramel Latte soap (trust me- it's awesome), all the cinnamon that people seem to use in decorations and food, and Yankee Candle Autumn Leaves and Mountain Lodge. These are the best smells and just make me relax. I know it may be crazy but some of these smells just make my day better.

6. Halloween and Thanksgiving- These two holidays are by far my favorites. I always love to pass out candy to the adorable kids in my development, dress Mac Dawg up as whatever he is willing to wear that night, and eat the candy that I tend to stash for myself. :-) I don't usually dress up because I know I'm not going anywhere but I'm very excited in the upcoming years to dress my family up in some crazy outfit and walk around the neighborhood saying "Trick or Treat"! Thanksgiving is also a favorite holiday. I enjoy having people over and making the food that will make everyone pass out afterwards, not to mention all of the football games. Ya gotta love those boys of fall...

Noah's Painting Skills

7. New nail tricks- I know this one may not apply to everyone but I have a new favorite and it's going very well this Fall. (In fact, for this pic, I have my hubby to thank) I have completely fallen for OPI Shatter Nail Polish. My wonderful mother bought me the blue and black shatter colors, so in true Halloween fashion, I painted my nails orange and black. (Well Noah painted for me) I couldn't help but remark that my toes looked like witch's toes- not that I've ever seen witch's toes but it's what I imagine witch's toes would look like. I just love the fact that my toes are so festive.

All in all, I just love Fall. I have actually tried to figure out where in the world we could move to have Fall all year round...turns out- nowhere. :-( I suppose that's ok for me. Fall is a season that I truly enjoy and I'll try to soak up every minute I possibly can while it's here.

ps. Here is the easiest Apple Cake recipe ever! Enjoy!

Mix 1 cup oil, 2 cups sugar, 2 eggs- Beat until creamy.
Add: 1 tsp. cinnamon, 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. baking soda, and 1 tsp. salt.
Mix well. Fold in 3 cups chopped apples and 1 cup nuts (optional). Place mixture in your baking dish and put 1- 12 oz. bag of chocolate chips on top. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Cool and enjoy!

Happy Fall everyone!