Oh, Linc & Lulu –
It’s crazy to think it’s almost been a month since we moved. In our defense, it’s been one crazy month. We moved, we went on an 8-day vacation, we fought an 8-day stomach bug hard, we survived multiple delays for furniture deliveries. We are figuring out new work and commuting schedules. We survived a lack of activity schedule for you. And we know how much you both love a schedule packed with adventures.
We also hosted 3 family parties which is basically 3 more parties than we have ever hosted before. And yet, we feel good. Yes, there are still boxes to unpack and to do lists, and new mini-crises daily, but there’s also new and revived family traditions. A home where once there was a condo, and family minutes as opposed to hours away.
So now that we are in this new town and there are less than 90 days left in 2018, I want to be proactive in the activities we have to do in this new season. I love fall. I love hoodies and jeans. I love apple orchards. I love the colors and the sunsets. I love the smell of cinnamon, and most of all, I love experiencing new things with both of you.
So this fall we want to be sure we:
- Go to an Apple Orchard. My favorite is Tanners in Peoria, IL. The apple cider doughnuts are life-changing. It’s been a tradition since I went to school in Peoria and I’m excited to share it with my babies this year. Which will also lead to hopefully making some wonderful apple-based recipes like Apple Crisp, Applesauce, and Apple Butter.
- Go to a Pumpkin Patch. I love the activities that remind me of my childhood, and this is definitely one of them. Growing up, my dad was a huge Halloween fan. He went all out for it. The front porch was decked out in the scariest decorations possible that year. Every year we went to Vana’s Pumpkinland (now closed) and picked out pumpkins, decorations, and sometimes even costumes. While I’m not a pumpkin spice everything gal, I do hope to decorate pumpkins with the kids and roast pumpkin seeds. Oh, how I love pumpkin seeds! This year, I think we are going to check out Bengston’s Farms. I’m looking forward to the petting zoo, picking out pumpkins and the train rides.
- Visit Perry Farm and hike in the Indian caves. In our new town, there are some Indian Caves that I ’ve heard about but never witnessed. I’m hoping during the next few weeks as a family we can go check them out before Illinois decides that summer is over and winter is head to stay. We’re also going to check out the scarecrows on display as well as their sleepy hollow event.
- Take a family bike ride. we have bikes, we have a fancy new bumble bee and now it’s time to do this! I do hope I still know how to ride a non-stationary bike!
- Sit by the fire together and make s’mores. We have a beautiful fire pit in our backyard and I hope we make the most of it. It’s the perfect end to any night. And a fancy apple cider cocktail can’t hurt!
- Go trick or treating. This year I am so excited to take you trick or treating. I know you are babies, but you are the cutest babies, especially in costume. Trick or treating is a big deal in my new town, unlike in the city, and I’m excited to join in on the fun. Even just passing out candy at home is exciting to me this year.
- Run a race. I hate running. I don’t know if I will 100% commit to this one, but I generally enjoy the races. So before the season is officially over, I would like to get one in the books. I actually just found this one, The Great Pumpkin Race, and I’m signing the whole family up tonight.
- Play in the leaves. It’s nature’s bounce house. Lulu, I’m sure you will love rolling around in the leaves, throwing them in the air, and laughing along the way. And I can just picture Linc with his shy little smile loving all the excitement around him.
- Give thanks. Fall is the last slow down before the holiday craze hits. I want my family to stop and be grateful for all the blessings we have. We have more than we need, we want for little. We have a beautiful house, close to our family, two beautiful children, and our health. I want to be sure I spend time every day counting my blessings.
- Host a fall family get-together. I love having family over to my house. I want to host a fall dinner where I make everything from scratch, we have comfort food that warms you from the inside, I’m sure football will have to be on the TV and everyone is together and happy. Ending the night with a fire and s’mores or homemade pie.
It’s a big list, but I know we can do it. I’m looking forward to all of it, and I can’t wait to see the look of excitement in your eyes and the smiles on your faces.
Happy fall sweet babies,
XOXO,
Mama
What else should we do this fall? What fall family traditions do you have in your home? Do you carve pumpkins, paint pumpkins, or just eat all the pumpkin spiced lattes and desserts? Do you have a favorite fall recipe? I love homemade chicken noodle soup, and I use the word soup lightly because I love the broth so thick that it’s almost a gravy. It’s something my mom made that I crave when it’s cold and when I’ve been sick, and on Sunday nights when I’m forced to watch football.
Tell me all your plans so we can add more fun to our list!
Sarah
Linc and Lulu 
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