There may be affiliate links below. Clicking on them provides a small amount of support to The Family Trip. Read more on our policies here.
I love fall – more than any other season, I think. The colors, weather, the changes all inspire me. Fall is basically my January 1st. I find rejuvenation and promise in this phenomenal change of seasons. We get to slow down and sleep as nature folds in for a nap, yet we know it is to restore ourselves for the growth to come.
This is a season that starts like this…
And changes into this…
Our Monthly Trips
This fall Mr. Family Trip and I snuck away for a weekend without kids (thank you Grandma & Grandpa!) to meet up with a gaggle of dear friends in Boone, North Carolina.
It was the first time since the pandemic I had seen most of this group and it was such a relief to reconnect. I realized how much I missed them all, how great they all are, and how much I just missed friends in general.
I also realized how much more of an introvert the pandemic and the two years in some variation of a lockdown have made me.Â
Boone was captivating. It was peak leaf season when we went and the area was just showing off.
It was packed up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but as it should be. Because that scenery deserves to be enjoyed.
I won’t be sharing an article on Boone (if you want more, head to my Instagram story on this). But we did hike Elk Knob, and I highly recommend that.
Beyond the quick weekend out of town, we spent a lot of time enjoying fall in our area. We did corn mazes and went apple picking. We decorated for Halloween and enjoyed parties and trick-or-treating with neighbors. It was joyful and joyous. It reminds me that a great family trip can be one that happens at home, too. Life is one fantastic family trip, when you get down to it.
The Best Things I Bought
I bought this jacket (in the green color) when it was on sale last month and I LOVE it.Â
I also finally invested in a new computer bag for myself now that I’ve been heading back into the office (ugh, commuting) 4-5 days a week. This laptop tote is so sturdy. My only complaint is that I’d like an outside pocket for easy access to my phone. But the lilac color I selected makes me happy so I suppose the tradeoff is acceptable.
And we have the forthcoming Keepers of the Lost Cities on preorder, which makes our teenager incredibly happy. He loves this series. Seeing him light up with excitement over the next installment, the anticipation that it is coming, makes this one of the best buys this month.
The Best Things I Read
It has been slow going in my reading world as of late. Mostly due to time constraints. But it is still one of my favorite activities.
This popular novel was a lot of fun to read. And this nonfiction nature book was surprisingly gripping.
My PowerSheets
For both September and October, my PowerSheets were really focused on bringing me back to and then keeping me focused on my values and the sort of life I want to cultivate for myself and my family. There was so much to actually do (work-wise and on a personal level), that it was clear I needed to cut out the noise but also recenter on what matters. Keeping in line with August, September and October weren’t times to overachieve and set new goals, but a time to stay connected to what drives me.
As the end of the year approaches, it is time to start thinking not only of the holidays but an intentional start to 2023. I have my routines I love that help me feel ready for a new year, but if you are interested in PowerSheets, you can get them, or even modified versions, here.
Looking Ahead
As I am hitting publish on this post, my family and I are on a quick fall break getaway to the Florida Keys. Miami tickets were incredibly affordable and we took advantage of the opportunity to explore another national park – Biscayne. Due to distance and how inconvenient it is, we’re not making it to Dry Tortugas. But we’re having fun in the sun.
You can, of course, follow along on Instagram: @familytriponline.
In case you missed it!! I had an article published online at Matador Network: Nelson 151 is Virginia’s Best Road Trip for Anyone Who Loves Craft Drinks and Outdoor Adventure. I am pretty proud of it, if I can say that, and it’s a rush to get back to a freelance life in some measure. Be sure to give a click and quick view if you have a moment!
I hope you and yours are doing well, enjoying fall, and having a wonderful family trip, whether you are far from home or close.Â