circadian rhythms

back in the day when i took mammalogy at wsu, we learned about circadian rhythms.  basically, these are natural instincts or cues that prompt animals to do certain things at certain times.  like, how the amount of daylight may be what prompts birds to migrate south, & the such as.

around this time of year, i definitely have my own circadian rhythms.  i start getting certain cravings.  for me, fall starts cluing my belly into a whole new set of foods.  is that weird?

even though the calendar says fall doesn't start until september 22, i know it's fall at my house.  because all i want to do is get all cozied-up inside my warm house & eat this:

dipped in this:

& then wash it down with hot chocolate & some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies on the side.

...& then wear big comfy sweaters to cover up the fact that i'm indulging in all of my favorite fall treats.  oops.

i am so excited for fall i can hardly stand it.  i love the fall.  love the changing leaves, the crisp air, the football games, the pumpkins, the boots, the cozy nights spent inside with candles burning & wind blowing outside, the excitement of the holidays around the corner, & everything else that comes along with it. 

& this year there is gonna be a whole new person in our household to experience all of this with.

who?

this guy:

this little boy has no idea what's in store for him.  halloween costumes, corn mazes, football games, pumpkin carvings, family gatherings, christmas spoilings, oh my.