Mmmmmm

I have a confession to make... 

There is something I've been doing a whole lot of lately.

Like it's my job.

I've invited it to live in my house,

and I've been bathing my children in it.

Sunday drives, Saturday walks, Tuesday afternoon playground beneath the trees.  No matter.

Ohhh the colors.  The Oaks, Maples, Sassafras, Tree of Heaven, you name it. 

The sunlight and the shadows are just different in the fall.  The sky is another shade of blue that is more lovely than usual, and the breeze has this sound and it carries those smells.

Even the water is prettier at this time of year, if that be possible.

These are not the leaves of last year, or the year before.  Each one lived its whole life this past summer and we will not see these particular ones ever again after the yellow, orange and red, and after they fall.  They did not worry if it was too short or long or hot or cool of a summer, or if for sure they would know the way to their new hues when the time arrived.  Or how they would let go of the branches.  And they've turned out absolutely gorgeous, and perfect.  

There are lessons in fall.

Last year we attempted a fall outing or two, being it my favorite time of year, and it was rough.  We had a brand new baby who was neither fond of the car nor bunting nor the cool air.

And just one year later she's joining the rest of the crew, climbing playground equipment as much as I'll allow. 

How did that happen so fast?

I've photographed all of this so many times over the last several years, but I still can't get enough.  If the sun is shining, we are back out, somewhere.

...Sometimes in southern Michigan, evading local law enforcement for photographing a house that neither belongs to myself and my husband, nor, say, anyone else on the planet we know.

(It isn't my fault they've created the perfect autumn porch, right?)

(No, ma'am, I wasn't trying to photograph you.  Just your mums...)

Okay fine, and this secluded beauty too.  But only because I could imagine myself someday living in it.  After buying it, in the most legal ways possible.

(No one was home.  Geez, look at the empty driveway!)

I love you, pumpkin.

Intoxicating, isn't it?

If you need me, you know where to find me.

Only as far from your property line as my zoom lens will reach, if you've got nice foliage.

Or, in the slammer. 

If I'm unlucky.

Comments

[Nikki]

Just perfect, Molly.

[Erin Benes]

What beautiful pictures! We had a sunny fall day here yesterday and I know exactly what each of those colors, smells, and playground trips feels like. Thank you for sharing your talented eye!

[Frema]

Ah. I'm getting fall high just looking at these pictures. Luke and I are taking the kids up to his parents' house this weekend to visit the orchard and maybe even the beach. We've been to the zoo and out for walks plenty of times, but nothing that really says fall yet. So excited! (And so hoping we can see you guys!)

[Frema]

P.S. Your pictures are so pretty that I think they would make perfect Christmas presents!

[Jen L.]

Frema's right--you should frame those babies and give them as Christmas presents! I am throwing a sweatsuit on Dean and going back to the pumpkin patch RIGHT NOW! We drive by it every day and sing a song about pumpkins, but we've only been there to play once this month. I think today's our day to get out and enjoy this glorious season!

[C @ Kid Things]

Fall is my favorite, too. These are perfect fall photographs, they capture the colors so beautifully. Unfortunately, fall so far has been kind of rainy and dreary for me, but hopefully I'll be out, enjoying the season before it passes.

[Cindy]

SERIOUSLY!! I NEED an 8x10 of the pumpkins on the fence!!! It would make a GREAT photo on my WALL!!(Pretty Please!)

[Becky]

LOVE those pictures.. favorite is the fence w/ pumpkins... oh and maybe Marin's sweet face as she climbs up the playground equipt.. so very cute!

[SJ]

Love all your fall photos! And I'm right there with you, it's all around and I just can't get enough of it.

Not to mention work and school and work....I haven't even really had the time this fall and that makes me sad.

[crookedeyebrow]

These shots are amazing and I always,always love your fall shots.

Simply divine.

[Kim]

Wow, What I wouldn't give to actually see those beautiful sights with my very own eyes. I live way, way down in South Louisiana and nothing turns those colors. Most of our trees just lose their leaves and the grass turns brown. Fall is not my favorite season and I know now it's because we don't get to witness such beauty, we just get dead looking, ugly trees. I do love fall decor though, we have to buy it though it doesn't occur naturally.