A late summer vacation to Florida was so refreshing. The clear blue water, warm sunny skies, and pink and orange sunsets were beyond anything I could have wished for.
But there is nothing like coming home.
When we got back, it was clear that summer was quickly coming to an end and fall was officially starting.
Although we greatly enjoyed our time in the Sunshine State, we were so ready for fall in the mountains. This past weekend couldn’t have been a better start to the season: cooler temperatures, chilly mornings, early soccer games that suddenly required a jacket and hot coffee in hand. ☕️
Saturday was a big day here in East Tennessee with the Tennessee vs. Texas game. While the Vols didn’t get the win, the energy, school pride, and community spirit around East Tennessee were still something to experience. Like every football Saturday, the whole region was covered in orange and white, and Tennessee spirit was everywhere.
Before we moved here almost five years ago, I honestly didn’t know much about the Vols. I knew Tennessee had a football team, of course, but I didn’t really understand the excitement surrounding it or just how deeply the community rallies around them.
We started our fall weekend with a very bright and early soccer game, which also meant we were able to get out and about before the big game day traffic set in. On the way, we caught the most beautiful sunrise, which made that early morning drive feel a little more special.
We decided to watch the big UT game at home and invited my husband’s parents over to watch with us, and then kicked off the season with our first bonfire of the year.
After cheering on the Vols, we BBQ’d and enjoyed the breeze outdoors. One thing we’re trying to be more intentional about this year is hosting and opening our home to friends and family without worrying about every little detail.
The food doesn’t have to be fancy.
The house doesn’t have to be spotless.
The plans don’t have to be elaborate.
Sometimes you just need a grill, a fire, good people, and a little time together.
We ended the night with s’mores around the fire with our boys. Then, after the fire had died down, we introduced them to another family favorite: Risk.
It was one of those simple evenings that reminds you how little you really need to make a night special. Good food, a crackling fire, something sweet, a board game, and time together.
Now I’m looking forward to more of it.
Slow Fridays and Saturdays, in between the busyness of soccer.
Cool evenings and sunny days in the mid-70s.
College football Saturdays, decked out in orange.
Watching the boys play soccer, layered up for those early morning games.
Sunday mornings at church.
Backyard dinners and bonfires.
Mountain roads beginning to turn golden and orange.
There’s something about fall in East Tennessee that makes me want to slow down and soak it all in.
Maybe it’s the cooler air. Maybe it’s knowing what’s coming as the mountains begin to change. Or maybe it’s simply this season of life and the realization that the ordinary days are the ones I want to remember most.
Summer was good to us.
But we’re home now.
And fall is here. 🤎🍂
