Yay fall!

[I figured after my last downer of a post, a more upbeat one would be nice. This post inspired by Shawn.]

I absolutely love fall. It is by far my favorite season. I always find myself a bit happier when it comes around. I really just love the atmosphere of it. There's just something about fall. I mean, no other season has all of this -

- Halloween, which I love so much I've started having annual parties to celebrate
- color-changing fall leaves - makes the drive to my parents' house so much more enjoyable
- pumpkin and apple food - Pumpkin Pie Blizzards from DQ, Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starschmucks, and caramel apples are among my favorites
- colder temperatures - blustery days absolutely rock!
- hoodies, sweaters, and cords (thanks to the colder temperatures)
- Thanksgiving - time spent with family relaxing and eating too much food instead of working
- bonfires - there is a certain joy in sitting outside on a cold night, keeping warm around a big fire, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows
- hot drinks - with the colder temperatures, they serve a purpose and taste even better. Hot chocolate, coffee, chai, apple cider... mmm.
- fun excursions - hayrides, haunted houses, and fall festivals. Oh yeah.
- my birthday - couldn't fall during a more perfect time of the year. October 17. Buy me presents!

I'm glad the weather got cooler. Fall is finally here. Bring it on!