Fall

Fall is a great time of year and is one of my favorites. I have a few reasons. Settle in. 

1. It's dang beautiful. Seriously. Sometimes I forget to enjoy it because I know what follows is a frozen version of hell for many, many months. But, this year I'm making sure to enjoy all of its glory. One Albert Camus said, "autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower." Preach! 

2. Every October 26th I get to celebrate my marriage to Nick. This year marks 11 years. He is seriously rad and I hope you know him. Nick gives everything to our family and he never thinks twice about helping a friend. If you want to know a real good person, know Nick. 

3. MEA- Two days off of school in mid-October. When I was teaching it was a great break and now that the kids are school age it is such a nice treat. Yesterday we went to the Minnesota zoo. A few things to note. One, I bought the kids three 59 cent animals each. They were seriously jacked up and couldn't believe their good fortune. It was like they won the lottery. I think I cracked the code: never buy your kids anything cool so that they think 59 cent plastic animals are the bomb. Keep that one in your back pocket, parents. You're welcome. Second, I overheard a woman use the phrase, "too blessed to be stressed." I've heard rumors of this phrase, but never heard it used. She was the most interesting animal I saw that morning. 

Today we are going to an indoor play structure with some friends. I hope they will be occupied for hours so I can dish with my girlfriend. Lastly, MEA is great because you can take time to make breakfast together. We made chocolate chip pancakes. Isabelle got down on those cakes and noticed she got chocolate all over the table. She said, "it's okay, mom. I'll just lick it up." No you won't. I will. 

4. Mini pumpkins and gourds. If you have visited my home lately you have likely left with multiple mini pumpkins. I'm obsessed. Trader Joes has the best mini pumpkins, if you're in the market. I drive by this store to take Henry to school and I stop most days to pick a few (20) up. When children are little it is surprisingly easy to get them to like what you like. Isabelle is totally on board. If we are going to visit a friend, she suggests we get some minis. If we are going to the gym, better get some! Catch the fever, Isabelle! 

See, fall is great. I hope you a have a wonderful day and that you get out and enjoy this short, but lovely time of year. 

--maggie