<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=12y5Ou_0vjhANB100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=12y5Ou_0vjhANB100" width="1276" height="473" >The changing of the seasons is upon us, and it’s time to get cozy. With the cooling temperatures, shorter days, and beautiful colors comes an opportunity to turn inward and spend time together. Here is my list of my Monterey family’s to-do’s to celebrate fall.TAKE A HIKE Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to be in nature, and the weather is lovely too! Make sure to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen. Some of our favorite places to hike this time of year are Mission Trail Park or Palo Corona Regional Park in Carmel, Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley, and Jacks Peak Park in Monterey. Encourage your kids to use all of their senses while in nature. When you find a comfortable spot, take a “listening break” and discuss the things you can hear. Always remember: “leaves of three (poison oak), let them be.”GO ON A HAYRIDE Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family. The Farm on highway 68 in Salinas has an exciting hayride, as well as goats, ducks, and bunnies! MAKE A CROCK-POT MEAL There’s nothing better than coming home to a delicious, warm meal that has been slow-cooking all day. I like to prepare my Crock-Pot the night before, so in the morning, I can set it and forget it. That way, we can rush out the door to our busy days and all come back together around the dinner table to warm our bellies and hearts. GO APPLE PICKING September and October are the best months to harvest apples, and our kiddos have really enjoyed picking their own. At Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville, you can enjoy the crisp air and sunshine while picking the most flavorful apples. Bring your own container, or you can purchase one there. They also sell mouthwatering pies in their pie shop and deli. HAVE A HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT Pick a “spooky” movie as a family, load up with snacks, and get cozy together. What was your favorite Halloween movie growing up? What about your kids’? To help my family agree on the movie, we each pick one, write it down, and put it in a witch’s hat. We then take turns drawing out of the hat. That way everyone feels involved in the decision making, and we all get to share our favorites with each other. Some movies that we love this time of year are The Addams Family, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and Coco. VISIT A PUMPKIN PATCH With so many wonderful pumpkin patches to choose from in our area, you really can’t go wrong. Check out our lists of patches for great options. Don’t forget your camera, as there’s nothing cuter than kids hunting for the perfect pumpkin! ENJOY A SEASONAL DRINK Warm up with a hot cocoa bar. Prepare the cocoa and stock the “bar” with toppings that your kids can help themselves to. We like to use whipped cream, cinnamon, sprinkles, shaved coconut, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. WATCH A FOOTBALL GAME Whether you follow the game or are just there for the food, football is a fun way to bring people together. Take turns hosting with your friends so your kids get to play in new surroundings. Other people’s toys are always more fun! DO A FALL CRAFT PROJECT Make decorations with the treasures you find on your hike. For a fun project, dip colorful leaves in beeswax and string them up. Simply melt beeswax in a double boiler or an old Crock-Pot, dip the leaves, and dry them on parchment paper before stringing and hanging them up. I find these decorations bring warmth to our home and help us celebrate the season. WATCH A FALL SUNSET With the sun setting earlier, it is the perfect time to catch a sunset with your kiddos. Pack up the car with warm clothes and blankets. Marina State Beach, Del Monte Beach, Asilomar Beach, and Carmel Beach all offer an incredible show. If you have small kiddos, put their pajamas under their outer layers in case they fall asleep on the way home. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Our Monterey Family’s Autumn To-Do List

The changing of the seasons is upon us, and it’s time to get cozy. With the cooling temperatures, shorter days, and beautiful colors comes an opportunity to turn inward and spend time together. Here is my list of my Monterey family’s to-do’s to celebrate fall. TAKE A...