Fall Bucket List

Just like that, it's halfway through September; and, in my mind, fall has arrived. There's a crisp breeze in the morning, leaves are falling, our girl is officially in preschool, and there's halloween candy and pumpkins in the markets. I'm in heaven. But I also know time can get away from us during this latter part of the year, and there are a few things I want to be sure to cross off our list. So as we enter the second half of the month, here are my ten fall must-do's for the upcoming months:

Apple Picking

Complete with hay ride, apple cider donuts and lots of flannel. We typically venture to Silverman's Farm in Easton, CT, but are looking forward to trying the highly recommended Barton Orchards and Blue Jay Orchards.

Pumpkin Carving

A few years ago- before we were parents- we had a few friends over to taste some seasonal beers and paint/carve pumpkins to our spooky fancies. It's been a while since we've decorated in this way, and I'd love to show MM just how's its done. Roasting the leftover seeds ain't so bad either.

Fire Pits + S'Mores

OK, so we're kind of a fire pit and s'mores family all year long. But there's something about a fall fire on a chilly autumn evening that's especially good for the soul. I've been taking to Pinterest to find some fancy spins on our beloved s'mores, and hope to share some of our favorites soon.

Pizza, Pinot + Plaid

Cat's out of the bag. My birthday's the first weekend in November, and I've already been planning a pizza party to celebrate. A laid back family fete consisting of hay bales around a fire and lots of yummy pizza. And pinot, of course.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

In case you missed it here and here, we are lovers of a good Bloody Mary during Sunday football. Get ready for lots of snaps of our favorite brunch cocktail and lots of tailgating food.

Point the Needle

I've been an avid needle-pointer since I can remember. My mama taught me when I was a little girl, and I've loved creating handmade, sentimental gifts for loved ones over the years- a custom belt or two for the hubs, baby sleeping signs for newborns, and even a full size stocking for my mama. I've yet to make anything for my girl yet- crazy- so I plan on making her a handmade ornament to commemorate her third Christmas with us.

Whiskey + Candy Apples

A good friend of mine turned me on to the art of whiskey a while back, and come fall I've become accustomed to sipping on a glass or two, every now and then. I've seen enviable whiskey tasting parties on the world wide web, and I plan on recreating one with a side of candy apples this season.

Spooky + Sweet

This year we'll be hosting our very first spooky halloween party for the kiddos- complete with haunted house and {sort of} frightful entertainment. Now accepting any and all recommendations if you've hosted one in the past...

All the Turkey Chili

Growing up our family would travel out west each winter to hit the slopes in Deer Valley, UT. And while I haven't skied in quite sometime, we always have a package of the Deer Valley Turkey Chili mix on hand. It's hands down the best chili we've tasted, and there's nothing better than a bread bowl- or baked potato- filled with it on a lazy autumn day.

Hocus Pocus + All the Rest

So if I'm being honest, I've already watched Hocus Pocus this season. While MM was napping. All by myself. And I'll likely watch it at least one more time before the season is over. Last year I compiled a list of all my favorite kid-friendly spooky movies {here} and I plan on watching each and every one before October is over.