It feels like each year, we eagerly await the change of seasons. Fall is our favorite season and the time of year Rob and I met, but something about it feels more special this year. Maybe it’s because Oliver is really becoming a real individual these days and understands things more than last year, coupled with the fact (that like so many) we’ve been in the house so long due to COVID and the extreme heat here in the desert. We’re thankful for our health and the privilege we’ve had to stay home during this crazy time, but we are so thankful for the cooler days ahead.We’ve been cautiously getting out a bit more these days: morning hikes, grabbing a coffee to go from our favorite coffee shop, packing a lunch and spending the afternoon at the park. We are all in better spirits after some outdoor time together and I have so many fall activities I can’t wait to do as a family.Last year I had so many ideas, but it just didn’t happen. This year I’m putting together a fall bucket list for our family, marking the dates on the calendar and committing to it. I’m not setting the bar too high and we won’t be going on any crazy trips (or probably any trips for that matter), but there are plenty of fun things to do in our own state and in our own home to be excited about. 

I’m also so excited to match with Ollie in the Canyon Coat we created in collaboration with goumi kids. The jacket is the perfect layering piece for fall over some comfy loungewear or a nature walk. If you’re lookin for a matching mama and baby pumpkin picking outfit, these jackets would be so perfect.  It has deep pockets for snacks and toys too. The Canyon Coat Mini is an exact mini of the adult coat. I get a kick out of him every time I see him wearing it. Add the boots + bibdana to the outfit and well, I’m a total mess. 🙂 You can read about the making of the collection here, if you missed it. Everything is available to shop here on goumi kids’ website. So what’s on our family fall bucket list?  
-Go to the Pumpkin Patch – Last year Oliver fell asleep at the pumpkin patch, on a pumpkin! Ha! Something tells me he’s going to be a little more into it this year. 

-Decorate the front of the house – I had so much fun doing this last year. I can’t wait to add a few more fun details this year. See our front steps last year + here’s a round up of my favorite fall decor. 

-Go apple picking at an orchard 

-Spend a few days up North to see the leaves change + visit some favorite trails. We love West Fork Trail. Also Buffalo Park is such an easy nature walk for kiddos. Rob and I have gone there for years, and brought Oliver last September. It will be fun to see him running around this season. 

-Carve + paint pumpkins – an autumn must!

-Fall Montessori based activities for Oliver – I’m going to share a blog post about our shelf updates for Oliver this fall and dive a bit deeper, so keep an eye out! 

-Go on a nature walk: collect leaves + rocks. Oliver loves this and it’s a great way to collect some supplies for arts + crafts. This little basket would be great for collecting everything on your wander. 

-Bake fall treats: pumpkin cookies, apple pie, pumpkin bread + make butternut squash soup.

-Halloween movie night for me and Rob when Ollie goes to sleep – we love all of the classic spooky films.

*Check out some past fall posts HERE.
*More Arizona posts, HERE.
*For more Parenthood + Baby posts, click HERE.