As much as I love summer and warm weather, I must admit that I am SO ready for fall. And I am so over sweating when I am outside. It’s the time of year when I am craving jeans, sweaters, and a light jacket instead of shorts and tank tops. I want to make eat soups, all things pumpkin and apple, and easy Crock Pot meals. I love the smell of bonfire and the sound of leaves crackling beneath my feet. The colors of red, orange, and yellow bursting from the trees and slowly falling to the ground. The feel of the perfect, crisp fall breeze lingering on my skin.
This is my favorite time of year. My senses are ignited, and my spirit comes alive at the dawn of fall. I love it. While I don’t love the season that comes after fall, this season is perfection in so many ways.
Here are my favorite things about fall in Des Moines:
So. Many. Things to do.
This time of year there are so many fun things to do with the family, from attending festivals like The Latino Heritage Festival or Beaverdale Days to Halloween activities like Night Eyes or Family Halloween to visiting local pumpkin patches and apple orchards for that cute family photo op. Check out this recent roundup of family friendly fall activities on the blog.
The smells.
While I enjoy apple and pumpkin scents filling the house, the smell that reminds me of fall the most is fire. The woodsy smoke billowing in the air and clinging to my skin makes me yearn for hooded sweatshirts and big blankets. There’s nothing like a great bonfire, sharing stories, and eating s’mores with some of your favorite people. I love waking up the next morning and finding comfort in the smoky perfume in my hair, and putting on that same sweatshirt from the night before, drinking in the remnants of the fire still lingering in the fabric.
The cool, crisp weather.
Although I prefer the warmth over being cold (who doesn’t?), I really do like the temperatures this time of year. I love a cool morning that makes me reach for a light jacket or sweater. The crisp, yet inviting air soothes my skin and makes me want to drive with my windows down, bake, read a good boo,k or play outside with my family. A chilly morning followed by a mild afternoon is the perfect fall day. Perfect temperatures seem to make just about everyone happy this time of year.
Being outdoors.
Walking, running, playing with the toddler. There is no shortage of parks, bike trails, and walking paths in the Des Moines area, and I love taking full advantage of enjoying the outdoors this time of year. Whether I am taking my daughter for a bike ride, enjoying a walk, or playing at the park, the cool breeze is a welcome slice of heaven this time of year.
The scenery.
I can’t even handle the gorgeous scenery this time of year. A few years ago, pre-baby, I took a little trip out to the Bridges of Madison County to take it all in. Now, I just simply walk down my street and behold the beauty that is the creation God has given us to enjoy just a glimpse of Him.
Seeing the colors of the leaves come fully alive before the season ends enriches my soul and makes my heart full. There is something deeply spiritual that comes from experiencing the beauty of all four seasons, but fall is the one that touches me the most as it ignites all of my senses.
