September vibes

I love this time of year. We can start thinking about and planning fall festivities, the holidays are on the horizon, and we are in the midst of some of the best weather headed our way. I love the temperatures of the fall … and the clothes. I love the colors. I love wearing a hoodie and the changeover of drinks at Starbucks. I am a sucker for good soup. I love pulling out my scarecrows and starting to plan my Thanksgiving menu and table.

Summer is officially over and the newness of the school year is wearing off. Routines are settling into place. The weekend norms include chili, good dips, hot cocoa, football, and family time.

September is the perfect time to go to the apple orchard. I love going to Tuttles as you can pick your own apples. I love the quaint little market stores filled with cute fall decor. This is the time of year that my family begins deciding what our Christmas activities will be and the chaos of organizing who is purchasing tickets for respective events.

I love a bonfire on the back porch with a bit of crisp air and a glass of red wine. Nothing is better than when it is warm enough to be outside at night with the comfort of a light blanket. I love the various smells of this season. I love the beginning of the changeover of the leaves. I love taking advantage of the many parks in Hamilton County and experiencing the beauty of this season. I love enjoying picnics outdoors with my family.

I love the excitement of my kids and teaching my daughter how to bake pumpkin bread. We may try our hand at an apple crisp this year, too. I love going to Conner Prairie and checking out their Apple Store. If you want to try the best caramel apples, check it out!

My son is all about football at this age and I love seeing him not only begin to learn to play the game but also cheer for a team and his excitement of wearing a jersey like his dad.

I love going to Spencer Farm to the winery and picking sunflowers. I love the various Oktoberfest festivals. I love roasting s’mores. I love seeing the little kids at my school collect acorns and pinecones as though they are treasures.

This is the perfect time of year to find live outdoor music and enjoy time with family and friends. I love turning my porch over to the season of fall.

The memories made this season are some of the best of the year. There are so many opportunities to do special things with the people that I love most. I also love that my husband and I are celebrating being together for 15 years this September, which makes this month even more special. I love everything about this special season and the people I get to spend it with.

Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.