Beautiful Fall

It has been a glorious fall! The temperature has averaged quite a bit warmer than usual, long into November! It seems the general consensus that the leaves haven't been as stunning as usual but I think I'd take the warmer days over the leaves.

Sun rainbows have been popping up everywhere! That is certainly a bit unusual.

We are so blessed to live just a few miles from an amazing park! Sometimes we go several months without being able to make use of it much but in October I went as often as possible, which was sometimes several times a week!

 Certain children take the offer of a walk more than the others do.

The SMELL of the leaves is just amazing. The whole forest feels so fresh.

The yellow light among the trees is just gorgeous.

And blue sky makes the best complement to orange trees.

Nature is such a wonderful escape from the regular busyness of everyday life.

The first week of November it was still warm enough to go kayaking! And we found a few stands of maple trees.

Here is my "little family" -- the ones I spend most of my time with these days.

Leaves, leaves, everywhere.

Maybe it was a little chilly?

Rounding dragon head point:

When we kayak we love to stalk the great blue herons. We try to see how close we can get before they beat their wings and fly off -- usually just around the corner where we can try this antic all over again. Typically we see 3-6 herons (possibly only about 2 or 3 different ones).

This group of trees was particularly beautiful.

An hour after we got home the sun came out and there was intense blue sky. I wanted to jump back in the kayak and rush out to see how these trees looked with that background.

Being out in the kayak brings me such joy -- it must be getting away from everything to a very quiet and beautiful place. There is a magnet inside of me that pulls towards this.

This is Laura's second year on kayak/canoe adventures. She is getting the hang of it.

And boys always find a way to have fun that includes giant mud messes:

We passed a sailboat -- sailboats always look so romantic and nostalgic.

Yay for fun in the canoe. All goes well for the first 3/4 of the trip and then there is a lot of, "Don't keep bending over the side. You're about to tip us over. Sit still please....."

Loving the adventure!

My favorite part of the fall garden is the marigolds. They come into their own and their strong perfume sends me right back to my childhood.

Putting out the old pumpkins adds a bit of color to the garden.

Isn't this mushroom pretty? I love its design.

These pine trees just beg to be climbed. James loves the pine trees.

Now the weather has certainly taken a temperature dive. I might not be so brave going out for walks. It's hard to believe thanksgiving is around the corner! Rachel turns 16 first and 16 is one of the years the kids are allowed a party. Always the same weekend/week of Thanksgiving!!