Why Fall is Awesome

In no particular order:

• The slowing and then cessation of weeds to be pulled in my flowerbeds.
• School starting and providing Rachel with entertainment, playtime and stimulation for nearly 3 hours every weekday.
• No more sweating through temperatures in the 90s and 100s with no air conditioning in the house.
• Getting to wear cozy sweaters again.
• Sitting by a crackling fire, and smelling wood smoke in the air.
• Celebrating my wedding anniversary (which, technically, is still during the summer, but it's after school starts, so I'm counting it).
• Dressing up Rachel, and now Ben, in cute Halloween costumes.
• The start of many of my favorite TV shows.
• Giving thanks with family and friends over a big turkey dinner and relaxing with them afterwards.
• Having one-on-one time with Ben now that Rachel is back in school during the mornings.
• Birthday presents.
• The gloriously vibrant colors of the changing leaves on the trees.
• Enjoying the blowing winds and falling rain while sheltered in a nice warm house.
• Hosting a pumpkin carving party.
• Visiting the Woodland Park Zoo and watching the animals enjoy their pumpkins - especially the big brown bears.
• Soup! Stews! Frequent crockpot meals! Yum!
  
• Not having to worry if it will be too warm to use the oven when making dinner.
• Anticipating the Christmas season.