Falling in Love with Fall

Usually I have a hard time getting into Fall. Summer is by far my favorite season (sorry skiing fans). I love the feel of a Michigan summer, going to farmer's markets, running in 90 degree heat, and actually having the time to read a book. This year, however, Fall has been an easier adjustment. I don't know if it's the extra crunchy leaves, my new love affair with pumpkin puree, or the success of the Lions and Tigs, but I am digging this season.

Part of my new love affair with Fall goes hand in hand with the many firsts brought on by September and October ...

• Bill and I registered for our wedding at Macy's and Kohl's (it will go live soon!). Gift registry might be one of the cooler parts about getting married. I mean, getting to marry my best friend is awesome and all but going on a shopping spree that I do not have to pay for is excellent. ;) It is a thrill to be able to plan our future home and our future lives together. We even registered for a set of 101 cookie cutters just because we know there will be future mini-Popielarz's running around (but NOT for awhile!).
• Bill and I took our engagement photos. It was a blast! Ashley Umstead, one of my best friend's younger sister's, took our photos. She is a senior at GVSU and she is talented!!! I have been in love with her photos for years and I was beside myself when she said she would do our wedding photography. Bill and I will make sure you all see the photos soon!
• I found out that I am coaching 6th grade girl's basketball for St. Paul this year. Practice is 2 days a week and we have our games on Saturday mornings so it won't be time consuming. Basketball at St. Paul is a BIG deal and my 6th grade students were pretty excited I was coaching. I miss coaching softball at East Kentwood so I am anxious to get back into the role of a coach again.
• Lately I have been obsessed with pumpkin puree. I add it into my oatmeal, my pancakes, and my frozen yogurt. Just a little bit will go a long way so a can of puree should last you awhile. I make sure to add ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to give it that pumpkin pie spice taste. Yum ... tastes like Fall!

In other happy news ...

• Bill and I are going to the playoff game this Thursday at Comerica!!! I am so anxious, so excited, and so giddy. My Brandon Inge jersey will be worn with pride as a drink a Summer Shandy, eat a hot dog, and watch the sun set on my favorite baseball team.
• I went home on Sunday for a family dinner. Going home is such fuel to my soul. I love East Grand Rapids and I love spending time with my family. Being able to come home for a home made dinner is such a blessing and a joy ... especially when Tracey makes apple pie!
• If any of you use Pandora, I created a playlist that makes me feel like I am walking on clouds. Mix Josh Ritter, The Avett Brothers, and Paul Simon together to create the most epic sounding playlist. Enjoy!

I hope you are all well!

xo

Kait