the tree

Fall in "northern" Minnesota is spectacular. For the past week the trees have burst into awesome mode and have donned vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red. Since this is our first fall in our new house and new neighborhood, we had no idea what sort of color we would be surrounded by. But let me just tell you, it's better than I expected! There's one maple tree in particular that I love. About a week ago, its leaves started changing from the top down, making it look like someone had dunked it into orange paint - half orange-yellow, half bright green. And just this weekend it made the full transition to its fall coat.

I love everything about fall - the leaves, the colors, the soup, the coziness - but I always feel like it's a little bittersweet. It is such a fast and fleeting season that begins with vigor and vibrancy, but after a few weeks the grass has turned brown, the trees are left bare, and the frosty mornings warn of the winter slumber to come. There's a sense of urgency to immerse myself in the height of autumn's beauty because I know that even over the course of a couple days, a tree's fiery leaves will loose their color and float to the ground, eventually winding up in one of many yard bags or compost piles.

So immerse myself I did. The drive up to Alexandria this past weekend was one of the most beautiful fall drives I've experienced. The highway and county roads were bursting with burgundies, oranges, and golds. The Painter really knows what He's doing.

river days

I was introduced to canoe trips a few years ago and haven't looked back since. So when Zach asked if we wanted to take a fall canoe trip, we were all for it. We set out for the Rum River early Saturday morning, with two full travel mugs of coffee, several layers of long flannel+long underwear, and tubs full of firewood, fishing gear, camp food, and tents. What ensued was nothing less than fall/fishing/camping/canoeing in all its glory.

Mark and Zach rounding the bend

Enjoying the sunshine and fishing

One of many beaches along the way

We ate goooood! Roasted potatoes, veggies...

...and marinated steak. With s'mores for dessert. Hello.

the morning frost

Tim cooking a breakfast of bacon, sausage, corned beef hash, and eggs.

My bass!

new traditions

One of my favorite times of year is here.
Crunchy leaves begging to be walked on.
Crisp mornings with their sweatshirts and steaming mugs of coffee.
Sunny afternoons that make me want to curl up and take a nap.
Yellow school buses driving down our quiet street.
Quilts making their way back onto the beds.
Kitchens toasty and warm from baking spiced breads, cookies, and crisps.
I love it all.

You know what else I love? Family traditions. This past weekend we were with Tim's family for the annual Turkey Day weekend (which is a tradition in itself) and started talking about traditions, how cool they are, and what traditions we could each start. Part of the reason I love traditions so much is because I love predictability and I'm a sucker for nostalgia.

A new tradition I have subconsciously started - photography baby Ev, the cutest baby I've ever seen in real life. A lot happened this past weekend - watched the runners in the 10K, met up with old friends, took in the parade - yet 90% of pictures turned out to be Evie-centered. And I, for one, do not have a problem with that. Seriously can't get enough of her big eyes and that giggle when every time you squeeze her thighs.

hey beautiful baby girl

turkey day parade 2012: NOT the big one

Bob on stilts for the parade

 a tushy heart = adorable.

"uncle tim, you sort of have hockey hair."