The leafy shortcut

I’d like to start off by saying that I know this will probably bore the pants off most everyone except my family (and even they might doze off during the video) but I thought I’d share it anyway. We’ve had a few days of warmer weather here. For example, today’s high was 76 degrees. I know it won’t last – in a mere five days the high is going to be a pitiful 39 degrees. Quite the change for this Florida family.

Anyway, back to my story. I decided Jackson and I would walk home after school. Ethan liked that idea so he came along for the ride walk. There’s a great park just behind Jackson’s school and I thought it would be fun to cut through there on our way home. It’s actually a short cut so we’ll probably do it again (but not when it’s under 40 degrees). Here’s how we spent our time:

(Music: The Only Thing by Orba Squara)

We have quite a bit planned for this weekend so I should be back soon with some more pictures of our adventures! Have a great weekend, guys.

Cider, donuts and fall colors? Yes, please

The Long family was at it again this weekend. Wanting to see what all the fuss was about, we went to a cider mill. I guess if you’re from up north then you’re probably familiar with cider mills. I have to say I’m officially in love. The chilly weather, the hot cider and warm donuts. Oh, the donuts…The apples were aplenty. In reality, apples are not aplenty in these parts. Earlier this year the apple crops were damaged and there’s actually a shortage of apples. That means not many You Pick places (if any at all). And it also means all things (Michigan) apple related are more pricey this year.

There was also a working water wheel there, too.We left the cider mill in search of some fall colors. And colors we found…There’s The Mister on the left taking pictures for his blog. Maybe he’ll actually update it sometime soon (hint, hint). I forced the boys to throw leaves in the air for a picture. I’m pretty sure they had more fun making fun of me. Yep, I’ve given birth to a couple of smart alecks. (You fit right in with the rest of the family, boys.)

And of course….So, what’s your favorite thing to do in the fall? What should we put on our To Do list? 

Tree envy

It’s here! Fall is here. I probably need to preface this post by apologizing to all the northerners out there. You see, this will be the first time I’ve lived through fall. I’ve visited the north during these months but this is the first time I will actually see it from start to finish. So if you’re thinking to yourself, “Another blog about leaves changing colors?” I apologize. Think of me as a first time mom and this is my first baby. Or think of this as my vacation of a lifetime and I’ve bribed you with dinner so I could show you my slideshow. 

Everywhere I look I can see trees that are changing. I’d say about 40% of the trees in my neighborhood are in some stage of fall. It’s beautiful. And I have to admit I have a bit of tree envy & let me tell you why. This is a tree just a few blocks from our house. It’s my favorite tree in the whole entire neighborhood. I pass it every time I drop Jackson off for school and again when I pick him up. Here’s my Instagram photo:Just look at it. It’s magical, right?

And this is my neighbor’s tree. She has one just as beautiful in her front yard:I think it looks like a giant flame hovering over her property. So very pretty. And the front of her house is littered with red and orange leaves. 

And here’s my tree:We actually had a few leaves change way back in August. Honestly I don’t think it looks that spectacular. Or does it? Upon closer inspection, some of the leaves have changed from burgundy to bright red; like they put on their best lipstick just for me. Isn’t it just beautiful?I love that you can see the action happening. Wouldn’t it be awesome to see a time lapse video of a single leaf changing from green to bright red?And I cannot wait until spring when maybe my neighbors will have tree envy. My secret weapon is that this tree is a dogwood. And will look like this when it blooms in the spring.via

Or maybe mine will be white:via

Who knows? I have a hunch it’s pink but I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. So…what does it look like around your neck of the woods?

Treasure hunting in Michigan

I don’t know about where you are but it was a beautiful weekend here in Michigan! We stayed close to the house on Saturday but don’t let that fool you; we still had fun. We decided that since it was such a nice day out on Saturday, we would go geocaching. (Remember when we did that in Florida? If not, let me refresh your memory here.) It’s not exactly Ken’s favorite thing to do but he plays along nicely anyway. (Thank you, honey.) Besides, who doesn’t love a little treasure hunt? Jackson found our first treasure in a birdhouse inside this tree. Good one, Jackson! See, didn’t I tell you it a beautiful day?We never did find that log book though. We left behind our treasure and took off for the next one.

Which we didn’t find.

Not to be defeated, we headed for our third cache. I was the lucky one to find it this time! See the cork and the little box made from scrapbooking paper? We left those for the next geocachers to find. My little box contained a mini pumpkin, a fall leaf and a note saying “Happy fall!” I say you can be crafty and adventurous at the same time!

Ken and I headed to Ann Arbor to see Ingrid Michaelson on Sunday. She was amazing, although I really didn’t expect any different. This is our 4th time seeing her and I loved it just as much as the first time. She is so funny and has this way of telling stories that suck you in and you feel like you are right there with her. If she ever comes to your area, I highly suggest going to check her out. You won’t be disappointed. Unless you’re a grouchy person that doesn’t like to laugh or tap your foot to some good tunes. And if that’s the case, maybe you do need to see her so you can get happy. What’s wrong with you anyway?

So, how was your weekend? What kinds of things did you do to pass the time?