Fall Bucket List

We have a few days off this fall...and I probably have bigger dreams than free hours. What is it about fall, anyway, that conjures up these ideas of doing extra things just for fun? It's always been that way. 

Do you make fall bucket lists? Do you like going to do all the fall things? (And if it's a yes, let me guess: you're probably a pumpkin spice fan too, aren't you? Ahhh, that's unfair. I'm a fall list-maker, but not a pumpkin-spice lover.)

But as we sit here in the middle of our weekend, I wanted to think about things we hope to do. It may not be an exhaustive list, but here are a few of our ideas:

1. Watch our beloved meadow slowly morph into fall. 

It's starting. I've seen some of the first hints of changing leaves. It was so beautiful last fall, and apparently I didn't fully photograph said beauty! I can't wait to see this year's repeat performance. 

2. Take a bike ride on the trails.

We are actually hoping to do this today, and I know all the colors won't be in full force yet, but I am looking forward to being outside, enjoying the pretty weather!

3. Visit the sunflower fields. 

I thought they didn't plant them this year, but it turns out they did...just a bit later! I don't think the sunflowers are as tall and full this year as they were last year, but they're in full bloom!

4. Visit a corn maze/pumpkin patch.

We haven't done this every single year we've been married, but we've visit one several of the years, and I really love going. This is what makes fall...fall!

5. Fire pit night!

I'm hoping we can have one of these here at WillowBridge - but also on our next camping trip! We've enjoyed several this summer on camping trips, but there's nothing like a true fall fire pit night!

6. Take a drive or kayak trip to enjoy some fall foliage.

Or both!!! :) One of these years, I want to do a proper east coast fall foliage trip, but for now, I'll be content to see some pretty trees from the road or water!

7. Take a nighttime walk in sweatshirts around town.

Ryan and I don't often take nighttime walks, but I always like to do one in each season. A crisp fall night in town with the smell of fire pits and grilling still lingering in the air? Oh yes please. 

8. Chili...and all the fall foods.

I do love some of the foods of fall, like a good pot of chili on a rainy day. We've already done it once, but I'll take more. :) 

9. Hiking!

I love hiking anytime of year, but I especially love it in the fall when it's usually not so buggy - and definitely not so hot. 

10. A good fall dessert.

I used to wait for fall to get apple pie chai at the coffee shop at IWU. I've been told they don't have it this year, which is heartbreaking, even though I'm too far away. Ryan and I have also historically loved the huge apple dumplings at Cracker Barrel. (We only made the mistake of ordering one for each of us the first time. Then we shared!) But I don't know the perfect fall dessert to get here. I'm still on the hunt!! But something warm and apple-y or maple spicy would be perfect!