...embracing the last days of Summer and our first days of Fall

Now is the time of year (at least in Minnesota) where you truly embrace those last days of summer and prepare for the cold weather that you know is coming your way.

You know when it's coming...The warm days cool off to have you trade in your shorts and t-shirts for long pants, a t-shirt and maybe a jacket, the air conditioner stays off consistently as you opt to open all the doors and windows instead (I actually love this part of it!), and of course, if you're my 2 1/2 year old, you say to mama and daddy, "It's snowing weather outside!" :)

Here are a few of our fun moments we've made this month as we transition from summer to fall:

"Storytime" on blankets outside in the backyard prior to his nap sounded like a great idea to Parker.

Leaf rubbing entertained Parker and mama a couple of weeks ago as we talked about the different colors of fall. Picking a variety of shaped leaves in the backyard to make these fun pictures for our refrigerator proved for an enjoyable time.

This is a great and easy activity to do during spring, summer or fall if you're needing a 20-30 minute filler. On this particular 3rd trimester day, my energy was beyond non-existent. :) I threw on our shoes and told Parker we were going for a walk around the yard to collect different shaped and sized leaves and asked if he would like to help me pick them. He, of course, was thrilled. We probably spent 5-10 minutes walking the area grabbing a bundle of foliage to take inside for our project. After getting back inside, we laid out our leaves, crayons and paper and started tracing.

Leaf Rubbing Instructions: First, place a leaf flat on the table. Then place a sheet of tracing paper over the leaf. Use a soft pencil or a crayon and gently rub over the tracing paper until the outline of the leaf shows through. Add additional leaves and use different colors for a nice effect. Make sure to take pictures to document the memory then display your artwork in a frame or on the fridge! :)

Parker loved a morning out at the zoo with his daddy while mama went to her doctor's appointment.

A bonfire complete with smores and hot chocolate on a chilly night...Parker just wanted to put the marshmallows on the sticks, so mama got to eat most of his yummy leftovers!!! ;)

Enjoying lunchtime with cut up fresh summer vegetables and fruits...

With the weather change means, for us, a transition from the nursery to a preschool classroom at church.      -Sniff, sniff- Parker was so excited about his new teachers, friends and classroom on Sunday morning.

I love our summer months and I embrace our short autumn months. Fall is actually my favorite time of the year; I just wished it lasted longer here in the North. :) The pumpins and fall colors are coming out of storage this week as I look forward to dressing the house in the warm colors...just in time for Baby to arrive. 

Until next year, dear Summer...