Falling for Fall

tarapumpkin1This week’s weather informs me that we are in the midst of fall, and I. am. LOVING. it!!!

The cool, crisp air. The crunch of leaves on the street. The whir of combines in the fields and the hum of grain dryers. They all make me feel soo cozy! I just want to wrap up in a snuggie on my porch, sip on warm apple cider, and admire the gorgeous array of oranges, reds, yellows, and plums encompassing the changing treetops.

Oh yeah, no doubt about it, fall is my absolute FAVORITE season!

I mean really, who doesn’t adore all of the football tailgating shenanigans, bizarre jack-o-lantern faces, corn-husk and straw-bale décor, the enjoyable terror of Halloween haunted houses, the stunning beauty of the leaves bursting with color, and pumpkin or apple-spice flavored everything?! Not to mention, it’s a break from the hot, humid, sticky summers the Midwest tends to unleash on us. Plus, it’s boot, leggings, and scarf season… enough said! Fall has clearly captured my heart in more ways than one! Can you tell? =)

 

tarapumpkin3Our family had a chance to relish in the glory of it all last week when we visited the pumpkin patch at Sass Family Farms outside of Riverside. If I can make a suggestion – go as soon as your little ones are out of school for the day. We were the only ones there at 3:30 and it was a blast! They have soo many kid-friendly activities: a petting zoo, a not-too-terrifying haunted barn, hay-rack rides, a straw maze, a bouncy house, a corn kernel shed (my kiddos’ favorite… and my husband’s too), tractors and lots of playground equipment, tire swings, crafts and antiques, and multiple Halloween and fall displays for the perfect photo ops. They also have a fabulous farmers market and gobs of pumpkins, gourds, flowers, produce, and other fall decorations for sale. Please consider visiting, and if you’d like more info, check out their website here.

It truly is such a wonderful season. And we do try our best to take advantage of it before the brisk Iowa winter sets in. (Don’t get me wrong, I much prefer the cold over the heat, but winters here can get harsh… and quickly.)

What are your family’s favorite fall activities? Do you prefer to make your memories inside or outdoors this time of year? And do any of you fabulous readers have some leaf crafts you’d mind sharing with me?

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Tara
Stay-at-home-Momma to 3 rambunctious, but adorable kiddos, and wife to her talented husband, Gabriel, Tara spends most of her days in a hectically blessed world! Her two boys, Simeon (6) and Solomon (5), and sassy 3-year-old daughter, Surion, help keep her on her toes. She is proud to call Kalona her home and settled in quickly after moving from central Iowa a few years ago to launch a ministry in the IC area. Her family is an avid supporter of all the local “Hawks”… Go Black and Gold! She claims that exercise is not her strong suit, but continues to condition her body (mostly through running) in hopes that one day, it will come naturally to her. She enjoys being creative through crafting and DIY projects, and admits that her body is a canvas and artistic outlet with her many tattoos and piercings. Tara has a special place in her heart for “finding a good deal,” and can often be found scouring local thrift stores for all sorts of wonderful treasures! She is truly passionate about litter-removal and recycling and hopes her obsession will rub off on the munchkins so they can lead a “clean” life in their future. Lastly, and most importantly, Tara has a heart for the Lord and is thrilled to be involved with her community MOPs group. =)

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