Falling

Last weekend we had one of those perfect fall days.  You know, the ones where it's cool and crisp outside, but not too cold. With dappled sunshine that gets filtered through the colorful leaves on the trees and makes everything glow warm and golden.  Where the grass is still fresh and green and a few trees had shed layers of crunchy leaves, while others held onto a rainbow of ripe foliage that twinkled in the breeze.  Can you tell I'm madly in love with fall?

Never one to back down from anything requiring the use of gardening tools, Mac helped his dad rake the leaves into giant piles in the backyard, while Mim and I bounced around the yard singing and taking pictures of the silliness going on.  Without being prompted or encouraged in any way, Mac took it upon himself to turn the leaf piles into his own personal landing pads, like he'd been doing this his whole life.  How did he know to do that?  It must be ingrained in the minds of little kids that leaf piles are perfect for jumping into because he didn't hesitate for a minute and thought it was the greatest thing that had ever happened to him.  

I, being the lover of all things fall, can't even get over the cuteness of it all.  I mean, his little face sticking out of a giant pile of leaves nearly killed me.  I swear, this is why I had children in the first place.  For this.  My heart probably doubled in size watching just this kid play in the leaf pile.  Maybe I'm easy to please, but this is the stuff dreams are made of. 

The dogs just tried to stay out of Mac's way for fear of being jumped on and Mim was slightly less than impressed with the whole leaf pile thing.  She preferred to be carried around the neighborhood and take some photos of the trees and leaves.  She'd make cooing noises like she was directing me and I'd take a photo for her.  I think she's got an eye for this. 

Anyone else having a love affair with fall?