It is finally fall! This was a long, hard summer and I am so glad to be moving into a new season. School got off to a good start this year, but I'm realizing that I've planned too much. I'm pruning just a bit and making time for the things that are really important to us.

One important thing this fall is going to be spending time with each other and with friends! And spending time outside now that it isn't so incredibly hot! Our field trip yesterday combined those very nicely! We went to a beautiful nature trail with just a few other families. I had intended to plan some activities (and I probably will when we get together with our larger group), but the kids mostly just ran around! They did stumble on several learning opportunities, though. Grasshoppers, different kinds of dirt, flowers, trees, etc. They made leaf and bark rubbings. We all explored a beautiful pre-Civil War home (that was a highlight for me!) and relaxed in the sunshine. Of course, I'm paying for that with a nasty sunburn...I should've been running around in the shade like the kids.

So now I'm making our fall plans - and trying to decide between good and best. There are just so many wonderful things to do this time of year!