Fall

Ever since my family moved to McCall, Idaho 11 years ago, fall has been my favorite season.  For me, the crunch of fallen leaves, the brilliant display of multicolored trees, and the glorious tastes of pumpkin, nutmeg, cider, and cinnamon amidst ever-dropping temperatures is heaven. An older woman at church wisely told me that it is a gift from God to ease our transition from summer to winter.  I feel blessed to have lived here in Utah for the past 6 years where I get to continue enjoying autumn in all its splendor!

My parents delighted us during their last visit with a trip to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point, a playground for all things fall.   

Between quality family time...

...goofy photo-ops...

 

...burlap slides...

...special bonding with Nana and Grandpa (Lizzie still asks to go on another cow ride, by the way, Nana)...

...and some serious exploring for our toddler, we had a fantastic time! 

For reasons I don't fully understand, I have a very strong emotional attachment to everything at Thanksgiving Point.  The Gardens are always magnificent (see example post from last year & another from this summer), and the Dinosaur museum always leaves me feeling more knowledgeable.  :)  I know I could visit over and over, and it would never get old.  If we move away (we're still holding our breath for the Air Force JAG, by the way), I hope we find similar beloved family outing locations wherever we go!  Thanks again, Mom & Dad, for that wonderful treat!

P.S. We've determined that few toddlers enjoy dressing up like Lizzie does.  Once again, her tendency to do nothing half-way is manifested in the picture below!