So Long Summer, Hello Autumn!

Though I hate to say goodbye to another summer, I welcome crisp, cool mornings like this one. Fall is officially here at 10:29 p.m. Sept. 22, when the sun crosses the “celestial equator.” In more down-to-earth terms, today will be one of two days out of each year that we have the same amount of day and night.

As I look out an office window, I see the tips of a tall tree already colored dark burgundy. Leaves changing into bright beautiful colors is only one of the lovely things about fall. Here’s what I look forward too.

1. Sunny, crisp days. My grandmother always said October blue skies in the Carolinas are the best. They do seem bluer somehow. Cooler temperatures and bright sunshine mean more time outside, soccer and football games, and time spent at parks and in the backyard just playing. 

2. Pumpkins! A trip to the pumpkin patch around mid-October is much fun. I love wandering through the field looking for the perfect big orange orb to carve. Then I love discussing with my kiddo the type of jack-o-lantern that pumpkin will become, and then sitting down for a carving session. It’s messy, so I personally prefer to do it outside (see No. 1).

3. Camping. I’m a fan of camping as a family. Roasting s’mores, sleeping in a tent, going on a hike and just enjoying being away from it all can’t be beat in my book, and this is the season to do it. Under a canopy of colorful leaves in the mountains, yes please!

4. Boots. Yep bring on the fall footwear. Whether it’s boots and tights and skirts, boots with jeans, boots with dresses, a seasonal fashion change is a good thing. See what’s on trend for this fall.

5. Halloween! I suppose Halloween stands out on its own, but we are discussing costumes at our house, and since it’s a Friday night holiday this year (and for CMS students a teacher workday), I’m considering a Halloween party complete with cider on the stove for parents, fun snacks, lots of kids in costumes running and playing in the backyard.

So long summer, but here’s to making the most of fall before old man winter blows in.