Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm Fall Festival

It is amazing how beautiful fall is each year.  I always remember that I love fall, but I don't think I ever really do it justice in my memories.  Colors seem more vivid and beautifully contrast against the crisp blue skies.  My favorite color contrast of fall is how the trunks of the trees seem to darken and appear almost black, a stark contrast for the orange and yellow leaves.

The mountains seem to stand out more and maybe appear taller and more real, I can't take them for granted like I seem to do during the summer. The air is clean and snappy, and although this is probably all in my imagination, breathing it in seems to feel better - it always brings a smile to my face.

I love being layered in cozy clothes - cardigans, sweaters and warm fuzzy Uggs.  I think it is during the fall season that I really enjoy the sunshine the most, it is not too hot, yet I can still feel its warmth on my face.

Fall is also the beginning of the holiday season, which is, by far, my most favorite time of year.  I love seeing all of the fall decorations up around town - hay bales, pumpkins, and fall themed 'Welcome' signs.  Time passes quickly, soon it will be Halloween, then Thanksgiving and from then on it's just pure joy and excitement for me. I always put up my Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving (or as soon as possible if we go to Homer).

With little Riggs coming this year, it just seems to make this time even more exciting and special.  My usual countdown to Christmas is also a countdown to when my boy will be born!  How much more exciting can it get?

Kelsey, the boys, and I headed out to Palmer last Saturday for the Fall Festival at Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm, the largest U-pick farm in Alaska.  It was an amazing experience!  We got to grab a wagon and some bags and headed out into the fields to pick the veggies that we wanted to take home with us.  The boys loved it, and I admit there is something so circular and cozy about bending over in the field, working hard to harvest the veggies I would later be eating at home with Steve.  What a great learning experience for the boys about sustainability and the importance of knowing where your food comes from.

Kelsey and I thought it would probably be even nicer to go on less crowded day, but we still had a blast.  The beautiful weather was the icing on the cake, and we all went home happy with the fruits of our labor.

Noah with all the u-pickers behind him in the fields

Kesley and her (youngest) boy

harvesting some peas

Farmer Corbin

Farmer Noah

Shelling the peas at home

In other news, I've been crocheting away at projects for Riggs, here is one that's nearly finished

and one last funny one...hey at least they admit it!