Why I love Fall, Part 1

It's almost here - the days are getting shorter, there's a nip in the air early in the morning, and pumpkins have begun to spring up at the roadside stands. It's finally, after a long, unbearably hot summer, fall. Fall has always been my favorite season. It's the real beginning of the new year to me, bringing the chance to buy clean new notebooks and fresh unsharpened pencils, the resumption of activities after a summer hiatus, bonfires, hoodies, falling leaves and football. Lots and lots of football.

So far this year we've been to opening day at Neyland, to watch the Vols beat UT Martin. Charles had a wonderful time soaking in all the good UT traditions, from the Vol Walk and Vol Navy to the band playing Rocky Top.









We've also taken Matt to his first game, a local high school matchup. His friend Megan went to cheer camp this summer and got to cheer with the high school squad; Matt was excited to see her in action. Here he is, holding hands with his first cheerleader.



Fall also means fall festivals. This weekend we traveled to one in Lexington where Matt painted pumpkins, bobbed for apples, and in a big moment for him, had his first pony ride.

Apprehensive but excited...

A natural horseman

He loved riding the horses, but was less enthused about the camel,



and was terrified of poor Clifford, the Big Red Dog. He took one look at Clifford and declared, "I only like him on TV. NOT in real life."



I'm sure there's more fall fun to be had - 'tis the season for apple picking, pumpkin patch trips, racing at Keeneland and Halloween. And of course, the fine World Chicken Festival starts tomorrow, God help us all. Stay tuned...