Fall seems to have come late this year. We were wearing shorts until about a week ago. Cool nights, warm days, the weather couldn't be more perfect. But I've known fall is just one frosty night away. I just returned from a business trip in Arizona on Friday, and I had to brace myself for the Colorado fall weather that I knew had arrived in my absence. I usually love the changing of the seasons and everything that comes with each one, but for some reason, I wasn't quite ready this year. Maybe it's because summer days with kids that are old enough to somewhat entertain themselves really have become lazy again. Maybe it's because our summer didn't really start until June this year.
As my plane landed Friday night, I found myself wondering what I would even do this weekend with the kids if I didn't have the option of all day outside. A friend invited us Saturday morning to a craft fair and then to play in the park, and I was pleasantly surprised by the cool, refreshing, still enjoyable weather. But I still wasn't sold on fall.
I happened to have a bunch of ripe bananas, so while Cameron napped, Carter and I made banana bread. And then I had some fall leaf cookie cutters, so we made cut-out cookies. And then I was inspired to make a Thai chicken oven dish. And then I remembered fall.
Fall is the time I turn my internal speed from manic-paced to slightly slower. The early darkness gives me permission to stay inside and cook or work on projects, or on a rare occasion, just be. I actually enjoy time indoors and look forward to the warmth that cooking brings to our house. Our family spends more time closer together, rolling on the floor in tickle matches and snuggling on the couch.
On our first rainy morning last week, Carter looked outside and said, "Mom, I just love rainy days. They feel so snuggly. Today let's go for a rain walk, drink hot cocoa, and bake cookies." Apparently Carter remembered more quickly than me that we enjoy the change of seasons for a reason.
Right now I have homemade chai simmering, Moroccan meatballs sizzling, and naan rising. The kids are in the bath in preparation for family movie night. As I look out the kitchen windows, more trees than not are a golden yellow or orange. The cloudy sky behind them just makes the sun-kissed leaves that much more brilliant.
Fall is here, and I'm finally ready.
