Summer has officially ended, and we all know that Fall is approaching. Many people will start to complain about the cooler temperatures and shorter days, but this is my favorite time of year, especially when you are a New Englander like me! Unfortunately this will be my first time where I won't be able to see a New England Fall that I have grown to love over the past 20 years. Here's a list of what I'll miss from home a little extra this season:

1. Pumpkin Picking

Pumpkin picking is essential during this time of year. I still have fond memories of going to the pumpkin patch by hayride in elementary school. After picking the most perfect pumpkin, you can't wait to take it home to carve. Of course, this was always my dad's job, but I always loved designing the face. My personal favorite was our pumpkin throwing up it's own guts( my idea of course).

2. Apple Cider Donuts

My mouth is already starting to water. There's no better taste than biting into a warm donut. Your tastebuds will thank you when you bite into the crunchy outside to get to the soft middle. Be sure to enjoy this snack with a cold or hot cup of apple cider! You can't go wrong with this pair!

3. Excuse to wear flannel

Of course dressing for the colder weather is important. So here's an excuse to wear flannel ALL the time. Whether its a flannel shirt, flannel lined pants, or my personal favorite, pajamas. No one will judge you for wearing it everyday, because they'll also be wearing it.

4. Leaves changing colors

It wouldn't be Fall without the changing colors of the leaves on the trees. I love going for drives to look at the different colors of red, yellow and orange. You can enjoy the leaves, but be careful, you don't want to look like a leaf-peeper!

5. Apple picking

Another Fall activity you don't want to miss out on. To this day, picking apples in an orchard is still my favorite thing to do in the Fall. From a young age, I've loved climbing the trees to find the perfect apple. Don't forget to eat a few while picking!

6. Yummy desserts

Of course after you go apple picking you must do something with all of those apples! Why not make dessert? My personal favorite is apple crisp, but I do love a good apple pie as well!

7. Fall Sports

Whether on the sidelines cheering on your favorite team, or participating, the Fall sports season will always be my favorite. In high school I loved getting bundled up to watch a Friday night football game under the lights with my friends.

8. Trick or Treating

Everyone looks forward to the end of October because that means, Halloween, and more importantly, Trick or Treating! Although I'm a little too old now, I always loved dressing up and running around my neighborhood with friends collecting candy.

Being away from home this Fall I will defintely miss everything about this time of year. I have grown to appreciate the little things in life that I'm accustomed to having each year. For everyone back home, please take advantage of the wonderful things this season brings.