There's something magical about the fall season. With the leaves changing color and the animals starting to dissipate, autumn is when the world around us gets quiet and even more beautiful. Our landscapes are painted with streaks of rusted red, mustard yellow and burnt orange. The temperature gets colder and the drinks get warmer.

Fall is my favorite time of year back home. The multitude of trees in my backyard shed their coverings, coating the grassy floor with their vibrant colors. The leaves then are piled up in front yard in order to be picked up by the township, but it's always fun to get a few jumps in the pile before they're swept away.

It's a cozy time of year: curling up on the couch with my favorite fuzzy blanket of the moment and drinking hot chocolate (extra marshmallows and whipped cream, of course) while watching movies. I get to break out my sweaters and hats and suddenly it's like my nose is perpetually ice cold. Autumn just brings people together, there's nothing like it.

The thing I miss most about being back home is the activities during this time: going to Linvilla to snack on literally everything they sell, or go through the corn and hay maze (though by the time we went last year, there was barely any corn) or even to sling shot apples in the field; trips to Varner's Farm for pumpkins and a quick browse of 'Bunnytown USA'; I even kind of miss Bates Haunted Hayride--even though I always end up scared and trapped in the butcher's barn during the corn maze.

Reminiscing about years past around this time always bums me out a bit because almost every year I've had an amazing time. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I wish I could spend it with the people closest to me. However, it's a new beginning, meaning new people in my life and new adventures. Honestly, I can't wait to see what this year brings.

So to all those going out this weekend, please be safe and don't go out alone. And to TJ, whose birthday is on Sunday, Happy Birthday, big brother.

Stay safe and have fun XX