Last days of summer

I never truly appreciated the change of seasons until I was in college, on the eastern side of the state. Washington State University is set in the middle of a college town, in the middle of a wheat field. Literally. You couldn't help but notice the pronounced difference in seasons with cobblestone paths lined by trees covered in all shades of autumn colors as summer turned to fall. Winter brought piles of snow outside your door, waiting for you to forge through on your way to class. Bright, sunny spring days with a twinge of warmth led to gorgeous HOT summer days. There really is no other place like Pullman...at least to a faithful Coug.

All of us have different reasons for enjoying the fall. Eric likes that the grass stops growing and the temperatures cool. Alexander likes attending Little Gym for the fall session. And I like that another school year begins because that means I am one year closer to retiring. In all honesty, I love the smell of wood burning in someone's wood stove. Tree leaves turn to beautiful shades of oranges and browns before littering yards. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are available. Comfort food and curling up with blankets are a must during this season, as well. While I am not a huge fan of the change to fall/winter seasons, I admit that a crisp, sunny day in the northwest is a beautiful thing.

With that being said, we celebrate that today is the first day of fall. But the northwest hasn't received the message! Today was 92 and tomorrow is expected to be even warmer. Personally, I love being outside and being sunburned at the end of my work day. We're not sure how much longer these last days of summer will last but we plan to take full advantage of them as long as can! Here are a few pictures of our family outing at the lake yesterday afternoon.

Does this kid EVER tire of digging?

He's up to no good

But you'll never know it from this angel smile!