Fall is in the Air

I've mentioned before that I've missed experiencing four distinct seasons. Fall has just started to show itself here in New England and I'm really enjoying it!
We've had a great weekend. Yesterday, we headed north to see Alex play in his first junior varsity football game. This is the first football game this 15 year old has EVER played. I give the kid a lot of credit. Not many kids would start this at his age.
The team lost, but in their defense, they were playing a MUCH larger private school who's ranked number one in the state. They played their hearts out and it was a lot of fun to watch.

Number 63, that's our boy.

Yes! He's doing it and he had a good time!
After the football madness (we'd been to the varsity game the night before) we headed home to watch some college football. Last night, our neighbors came down to watch MORE football with us. We enjoyed some Beer Cheese Soup and Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches. The name of the sandwiches is a little misleading because I use more than ham. I do turkey with pepper jack, etc.
We built a fire in the pit and made s'mores at half time. My girlfriend and I enjoyed several glasses of wine while the boys watched football inside. It was a wonderful evening.
This morning we headed out to a local orchard for some apple picking. This was high on my list of things to do during my year living here. I loved it and am glad I dragged my boys with me. I think they enjoyed it too.

There were several varities. This was one of many, and one of my favorites.

They had to reach the ones higher up. Did you know I'm only 5'2"?

Beautiful, aren't they?

These two ate several apples. They had to sample them, right?

They had chickens there too!

There were also some lovely pumpkins.

The fruits of our labor.

Yum!

I am currently researching how to make apple butter. It's one of my favorite apple things. If you have tips or help, please let me know.

I would also love to hear your favorite ways to enjoy apples. I want to bake with them, cook with them, etc. I have a feeling there will be freshly cooked apples and cinnamon in our oatmeal tomorrow morning!

The weather is just perfect. Slightly chilly (long sleeves for sure) and overcast. I am so enjoying fall.

Don't forget to check out my first giveaway!  Leave a comment on that post (not this one) to enter. I will be wrapping it up Monday night.