Transitioning to Fall

Summer is such a wonderful time of year in the Pacific Northwest, but Fall always finds a way to steal my heart. Even though we officially have a few more weeks of Summer, it is starting to feel more like Fall as children head back to school and temperatures start to cool. As you set out to make your Autumn plans might I suggest an apple picking trip, a glorious hike or a drive to do some leaf peeping.

Our life

It has been far too long since we have been hiking. A combination of being pregnant, having a baby and being otherwise busy has kept us away from our favorite fall activity. Once we hit the trail, I was almost teary eyed because it felt so good to be back doing the things I enjoy. After a month of both mental and physical recovery I feel like my old self again and it feels spectacular. The sights, the colors and the company made for the perfect day. Man, I love my life and my man!!

The clouds rolled in while we were up at the top, which made for some unique photographs.

Enjoying nature is in the details. From the lichen, the the tiniest mushroom or leaf.

Color painting the side of the mountains.

Leaf strewn trails

For sheer brilliance, Fall is an unbeatable time of year.

His and hers: Happy Halloween!!

Hosting a pumpkin carving party is something I have done for the past twelve years. This year it was a pretty last minute decision to throw a party, so we kept it very simple: homemade cupcakes and pumpkins. Unfortunately, I did not get my act together and decorate like usual, but we had fun nonetheless. I think it is pretty easy to tell which one is his and which one is hers.

Fall happenings

Life lately

I am quite taken with this poster because it is a great reminder to keep true to myself and not worry about the judgement of others. I have found the hardest part of grieving is my interactions with others. I realize people are unsure what to say, are downright afraid to talk to me or worse yet like to pretend it did not happen. I wish I could relay the message to everyone that even though a life changing event has transpired in my life, I am still at my core the same person.

Happy Weekend!!

We are enjoying the leaf covered paths, dressing in layers and holding hands as we walk.

Quite possibly my all time favorite quote and a good reminder for us all.

Autumn Splendor

There is always something fun about riding on a bale of hay.

Squash blossoms up close.

Three little pumpkins all in a row.

Picking out the most fun color and shapes of gourds.

Finding ourselves the perfect pumpkin.

A cart full of produce to enjoy.

Piles of corn to husk.

A small gathering of friends to celebrate the season.

Fast friends

I have never been one to like doctors or hospitals, but hours before my post labor check up I found myself oddly excited for our reunion. She was present for the most profound, life changing experience of my life and I am convinced she was chosen by God to be there. She was kind, positive and truly wanted the best for me. A few days after I gave birth she called to check in on me. One of the questions she asked was "how was Cameron?" A doctor who cares not only about me, but my husband is above and beyond what I would expect from a typical doctor. I wanted to find some way to express my gratitude to her, but decided on keeping it simple with flowers and card. I have to admit I have never shown up to a doctor's office with flowers before, but it did my heart good to see her truly touched by the gesture.

Skagit Gordon Farms

There is much more than just apple picking at Skagit Gordon Farms. They have the most clever, artfully displayed pumpkins and gourds, I could just spend hours here.

Gorgeous flowers and locally made honey.

Even the tractors are donned with pumpkins.

I came home with a wagon full of interesting looking gourds, beautiful colored pumpkins and loads of inspiration.