This ...

 

We've lived in Missouri for 3 years now ... and the past 3 autumns, I have wanted to do this.  But something always kept us from it.  Either Kyle isn't here on the weekends or we are just too busy on the weekends to have a day to give up to just frolic around on a full fall day.  This fall, we gave up 1 sport [YES!].  I wanted us to scale back knowing we needed to enjoy this time together.  This, being the time before we're separated.

This is all I've wanted to do, every fall since moving back to the midwest.  We finally got to do this, this past weekend.  This is what makes fall.  This is what memories are made of.  This is what I'll look back on as probably my favorite day this season.  This is all I wanted.

What exactly is this?  I can't exactly put it all into words, but the way I would describe it is simply a moment where I felt the essence of everything around me.  All 5 senses were happy & my heart was full.  It is celebrating the season you're in, the people you're with & the ability to be together.  This was my perfect day.  This felt like a big group hug for my family of 5.  This is not just what I wanted, but what we all needed.

Thank you God for the most beautiful day.