Just a Regular Morning in the Benson Household

Nothing too new or exciting in the video, just a little peak into a typical morning with this busy-body toddler who keeps me on my toes!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

There is nothing I love better than fall! Yesterday it was only about 60 degrees here, and I really enjoy when the air starts to get that chill. It was a long, hot summer here in Utah, and I am looking forward to all the holidays, sights, and memories that fall brings.

I think being born and raised in New England has a lot to do with all my many pleasant autumn associations. Once the weather starts getting cool and the leaves start turning orange, I immediately start thinking about some of my favorite things associated with this time of the year.

So, these are a few of my favorite fall things; just a few of the reasons why Autumn has come to be my favorite season of all:

1. Soccer

Growing up in my family, fall meant soccer season. My autumns were always filled, almost everyday, with soccer practices or games. Here I am my freshman year in college in Massachusetts. To me, nothing says an afternoon in October like sweating it out in the cool air with an array of colorful trees and foliage as your backdrop.

2. Sweaters.

Especially Jcrew sweaters. My family will laugh at this, because they know of my obsession with Jcrew. But to me, nothing says fall fashion like a cozy wool sweater from Jcrew.

3. Apples

Sorry to be obnoxious here, but no one does apples like New England! Here in UT it is so hard to get a good, orchard fresh, quality fall apple. I have yet to even see a Mcintosh (and no, I'm not talking computers) since living in the beehive state! In New England I loved all the apple orchards--every town seemed to have at least one--where you could go pick your own apples. Crisp, sweet, tart apples right from the tree-yum!

4. Candy Corn. Need I say more? I know my Mom is really rolling her eyes at this one! Yes, we have gone through a whole bag of these in the last week in your house, but don't worry Mom, most of them were eaten by guests and friends.

5. Hiking/ Enjoying the Autumn foliage. For a few years, while we were both living at home, my older sister and I made a tradition of climbing Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire every October. This provided a great view of all the amazing arrays of reds, browns, oranges, yellows, and every shade in between.

Here is a little taste of Monadnock in the fall:

6. Farm stands and fresh Apple cider. Now, the "apple cider" you can find bottled and packaged on Utah grocery store shelves is not apple cider! I'm talking real, fresh squeezed apple cider--nothing compares. In New England you'll find lots of little road side farm stands that sell fresh cider and other seasonal goodies. My sister-in-law Jacky's family owns and operates one that just optimizes the charm and quaintness I love.

Check it out here:

http://www.clearviewfarmstand.com/

Anyway, I hope this post wasn't too obnoxious sounding. I guess absence does make the heart grow founder, and being away from my family and the place where I grew up is especially hard this time of year. There is no place like New England to be in the fall!

Funny Read

I got this from the library last night, and even though I should be finishing up my book club book for this month, I've been sucked into this one. Such a realistic and hilarious look at motherhood! I literally laugh out loud as I read this. If you've never read this one before, I highly recommend it!