Fall

Fall is upon us here in Washington, and it's such a treat to snuggle under warm blankets at night, light scented candles at dinnertime, eat heartier, autumn foods, explore the pumpkin patch, and take walks through the forest covered with leaves.

Life feels blessed and full of contentment this year, especially when I compare this season to last fall, amidst Matthew's palate repair and all the adjustments we were still making on a daily basis.

This year fall is a time to play--with an afternoon spent together with my sister Amy and her two kids at a local pumpkin patch.

Maya has found her pumpkin

Sam and cousin Parker show their silly poses to my camera

We've also spent many Saturday mornings alongside the soccer field watching Sam's games. Matthew and Maya bundle up and come along with us.

Matthew has especially enjoyed his view from Daddy's back in the Ergo baby carrier. Aaron's been the referee for some of Sam's games, so both Aaron and Matthew get front row action watching Sam's newly developing soccer skills!

Here Sam is shooting to score while Matthew helps Daddy ref the game

We've also been lucky enough to take a few beautiful autumn hikes, like this one on Spencer Island last Sunday with my mom. Maya and Sam are excellent hikers, smiling the whole way, and their enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious.

And even Matthew joins in the fun, as he's learned to hike and walk with the rest of us. He's content to enjoy his stroller for the first bit of the journey, the insists on walking on his own two legs at the end. Here his "Sissy" is trying to catch him as he giggles and runs down the final stretch of road toward the car.

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country, where autumn shows up in all her splendor to decorate our days with vibrant leaves and a gorgeous fall forest.