It’s officially Fall — and here is West Michigan, it is absolutely gorgeous!
The trees are changing colors, the grass is bright green, the air is cool and crisp, and the sun has actually been shinning for the past several days — glorious!
For me, the Fall months are a breath of fresh air between the hot sticky Summer months and the freezing cold Winter months — so Dave and I will often try to spend as much time as possible outside during the Fall.
Here are some of MY favorite Fall activities:
Picking apples {my mom recently told me that apples grow in EVERY US state!}
Raking leaves — it’s kind of therapeutic, especially on a gorgeous day. And if you have kids, let them jump in your piles!
Any other type of yard work — I haven’t been doing nearly as much yard work this Fall due to my large belly, but Dave is frequently outside cutting back plants, spraying for weeds, mowing the lawn, etc.
Decorating our house for Fall — here are some of my favorite Fall decorations
Going for a walk
Sitting on our porch swing — yes, I’m simply ecstatic that we have a porch swing!
Carving Pumpkins — I can’t wait to do this with our international students!
Canning applesauce, peaches, pears, and jam — OK, so I don’t actually LOVE the canning process, but I love the end results. Plus, I usually can with my mom and/or grandma so the process really isn’t that bad!
Baking… anything!
Drinking apple cider
Bonfires — and smores {of course}
Planning for the holiday season — I’ve got to kick it in gear if I’m going to finish my shopping before this baby arrives!
Most of these activities are relatively simple; but for some reason, I’m able to slow down just a little bit more during the Fall months — which is probably a good thing 🙂
What are YOUR favorite Fall activities?
Do you have any special trips or vacations planned?
Do you have any yearly traditions with family and friends?
Or do you focus on the simple pleasures of this beautiful time of year?
Jenny C. says
Thanks so much, Megan. Will it work OK with a regular blender, you think? Also, any idea how long the leftover coconut whip cream will last in the fridge? Love me some pumpkin goodies!!!!!! Thanks again. Jenny
Jenny C. says
Andrea, do you think we could convince Megan to share her pumpkin smoothie recipe? Sounds delish! As for fall actvities – FOOTBALL! My son is playing plus our family especially loves watching college games (thanks to my hubby!). Fall is glorious!
Megan Camp says
Jenny…noticed you wanted the pumpkin smoothie recipe. It’s SO good!! (Especially with the coconut whipping cream!)
http://everydaymealstoshare.blogspot.com/2011/09/pumpkin-pie-spiced-smoothie.html
jodimichelle says
You see the face in the photo you posted? Between the trees?
Andrea says
haha — nope, I missed “the face”. However it doesn’t surprise me that you saw it!
Megan Camp says
I’ve been apple picking two times already this Fall (free from Freecycle!) and I love it! I’ve also been canning applesauce, pears and apple pie filling with all my free fruit. Lots of work but as you said, definitely worth it in the end. I also love the Fall baking and treats. My friend recently introduced me to a homemade pumpkin smoothie and it’s like drinking a pumpkin pie! I love Fall!!
Andrea says
Wow!! Sounds like you’ve been busy!
I was not able to get our our produce for free this year, but I have gotten it ALL for free in years past — which really make the canning process worth all the extra effort!
And I’m not much for smoothies {unless they are strawberry} but I just might have to looking that pumpkin smoothie. Sounds delicious!
Megan Camp says
Here’s the link to the pumpkin one. It’s from the Vita-mix cookbook.
http://everydaymealstoshare.blogspot.com/2011/09/pumpkin-pie-spiced-smoothie.html
Andrea says
Thanks Megan — looks delicious!!