I am headed off to Seattle on Saturday for a full week of family, friends, and blog talk! For those of you who have been around for a while, you might know that I am doing a huge research project on MOMMY BLOGGERS for my grad program, and last spring I received news that I was selected to speak about my research at a big, exciting, slightly intimidating conference in Seattle in the fall. Well, that week has finally arrived. I am so excited to teach others about the fascinating world of blogging and about you moms out there who write blogs, because I truly believe the writing you do about your families, your homes and your lives is SO important. But I am also a little nervous... I speak next Wednesday at 10:15am PST, so if you want to pray for me during that time, I would be very appreciative. Thanks, loves! But the best thing about going to Seattle is that I get to experience real fall weather for a full week. Arizona doesn't have a fall. Arizona has a very long summer of 100+ degree heat and then a lovely, sunny-everyday-winter where it's usually still like 60 degrees outside. Don't get me wrong. I love Arizona weather. Micah loves the weather. We don't complain one bit about it. We revel in it actually...while sitting by the pool...every single weekend. I lived in Seattle for most of my life and I don't miss the rain or the cold or the clouds AT ALL. Seattle weather = gross. But I do miss one thing... my fall wardrobe. Basically anything in my closet with long sleeves. I miss wool. I miss boots. I miss scarves. I miss every coat in our coat closet that I haven't seen in a year. So I am going to rejoice in Seattle weather this next week, even if it rains every single day, because it means I get to explore parts of my wardrobe I have nearly forgotten about since moving to the desert. You better believe I am flying Southwest so I can bring two free suitcases full of fall goodness on my trip. {Okay, I'll try to hold myself to one suitcase, but I am pretty freakin' excited!} But I guess I don't only miss my clothes. I also my family and friends who live in Seattle and the sights around the city, because it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am so excited for crisp air, colorful leaves, Seattle coffee, spending the night with my sister, going on walks with my best friend, playing games with my family... all of it. Here are some of my favorite pictures from autumns past in Seattle... Space Needle in November. See those almost bare branches? This was on a date Micah and I took to the corn maze a few years ago. Hot air balloons are always flying over the valley on clear fall days. This is the same beautiful valley where Micah and I had our wedding! I stopped to take this picture as I was driving to my parent's house one day. I love the changing leaves... A crisp and clear sunset over the city A true HARVEST at Pike Place Market The pumpkin patch near my parents' house where Micah and I used to go every year on our fall date! I am so thankful to celebrate fall for a week with some of the people I love the most. And I know I will be thankful to get back to Micah and the Arizona sunshine when it's all said and done as well! XOXO! ... Read more
