things i love about the east coast #1

Today is the first day of fall and the leaves on the trees are very gradually starting to turn colors.



Unlike last year at this time, when we didn't own a rake and all of our focus was on unpacking boxes, this year Charlie is in "hyper-crazy leaf removal mode", and can be found driving his tractor around in circles, at least twice a week, sucking up those leaves that have begun their mass exitus from the trees.

Watching the leaves fall from the trees, signals to me that it has been one full year that we've been in Virginia. Much like I wrote down a few of the things that we loved about San Diego, I thought I'd jot down some of the things that we really love about living here. And why, even though this move has challenged us in many (many, many, many) ways, it was such a good move for our family.

There's no way that you can adequately explain "seasons" to children.

Growing up in an environment with seasons, they are so important to me to signal ... I dunno. The changes in life? The passage of time? The reality that nothing stays the same, forever? Also, watching the world change around you is breathtaking and sledding is SO MUCH fun.

So I wanted our children to experience firsthand, the tangible sensation of change in the air. We had a cold snap earlier this week, so I started the process of pulling out our colder weather gear. Jackets, hats and flannel lined jeans. Then over the next few days, the temperatures warmed back up to the 70's and woolen caps were abandoned for sunhats.

But the mornings are becoming gradually cooler. So at the moment, everyone in our house is filled with anticipation for wearing cozy clothes, apple picking, roaring fires and leaf pile jumping. Provided, of course any stay on the ground long enough for us to accumulate in a pile and jump in. CHARLIE.



But we're also really savoring these last few days of shorts and t-shirts...



And a world that surrounds us with beautiful greenery.