fall on the east coast

We've been enjoying some gorgeous fall weather here in Northern Virginia, which means we've spent a lot of time outdoors -- either playing outside the apartment building with friends or rotating our time at several of the local parks. The tree leaves are currently a rainbow of colors and the sunshine feels so good on a crisp autumn day. So perfect takes your breath away. My dad was right: nothing really beats fall on the East Coast.

That said, we definitely won't mind trading in our fabulous fall weather for some true summertime sunshine when we leave for Mexico this Friday. We're meeting up with my entire family, minus my brother Chad who is valiantly serving a mission in Mexico (sadly, we won't get to see him) for the LDS Church. That means my parents, eight "kids," three spouses, and four grandkids will be celebrating Thanksgiving on the beaches of Playa del Carmen.

Let the craziness begin.