Fall is my favorite time of year. The weather, the light, the smells, I love it all. This fall is the first one that my little boy is able to run and play outside to enjoy it, too. So we’re taking advantage by hiking, playing and visiting Grandma and Grandpa Pony’s farm. That’s what the grandkids in my family call my parents.

My folks have a small farm with a few acres and a few horses. Last week we stopped by to see the changing trees and the colorful flowers my mom has this time of year. My little guy had a blast touching all the different textures of flowers and plants. Then he got to sit on the antique Harvester International tractor. He LOVED it! Seeing the utter joy in his face as he steered and made motor sounds made my heart leap. He could have warmed that seat all day and been more than happy.

These are the days I make mental notes to cherish. They’ll be gone before too long, and then he’ll be asking for the keys and gas money. I try hard to document these days with photos and journal entries, but I have this constant feeling I’m going to miss something.

I love these photos. It’s images like this that remind me how rich I am with my family. And I thank God each day for them.