Fall Fever

Fall has always been my favorite season.  When I was little, it was because I loved jumping in leaves, carving pumpkins, dressing up for Halloween, and of course, the start of a new school year (the nerd in me surfaces yet again).  

There's something about the smoky smell of the nights and cooler air that I always associate with new beginnings.  

Now, I get more excited about digging scarves and boots out of the back of my closet, spending afternoons on the front lawn listening to various groups raise money or hold events, the return of pumpkin spiced lattes at Starbucks, and the anticipation of the Lehigh Lafayette game.  

Fall is the happy, blissful medium in temperature, natural outdoor beauty, fun activities, and seasonal food.  

While Lehigh is gorgeous year-round, I think that fall is its prettiest season.  The stairs have not yet become treacherous (unless you have not yet developed your "Lehigh legs") and there is almost nothing that can compare with the ivy turning colors on Alumni Memorial or the view of the valley while walking down the hill to class.  

As a self-proclaimed (and confirmed by my friends) Lehigh nerd, I also love all of the traditions that come with the fall.  From the first year rally on the front lawn and adoption by the class of 50 years prior to dressing in mocos (morning cocktails, basically goofy, whatever you want to wear outfits) for tailgates and honoring our founder and current leaders at Founder's day, you would be amiss to not notice the Lehigh spirit in full swing during the fall.  All of this culminates in our rivalry football game with Lafayette, which is absolutely the best week of the year.  

I also have taken greater advantage of events on and around campus this year.  My best friend and I walked to Celtic fest, which is across the river in North Bethlehem, one Sunday afternoon.  I also went to Dorney Park with my sorority a few weeks ago and have been going to more of the football games this year than I did my freshman year.  

When I was home for Pacing break, my mom, brother and I went to a local farm to pick pumpkins.  We came home with amazing farm made apple cider and cinnamon sugar donuts, which I happily indulged in while catching up on some reading.  

The only major fall "to-do's" I have left are arguably the two biggest--Halloween and Lehigh Laf.

Mornings on the front lawn between classes

Saturday afternoons watching Lehigh football in the beautiful Goodman Stadium.

Doing some reading at the lookout. Absolutely amazing view of Bethlehem and the Lehigh valley. 

A view of South Bethlehem from the bridge.  This was taken on the way to Celtic fest.

My littlest brother and I with our pumpkins we got when I was home during Pacing break.

View of the front lawn

My favorite tree on campus, it changes color from the top down.  And it's in front of Coppee,  a building I will be spending a lot of time in now that I am officially a Journalism major.

While waiting for the bus, I noticed that the mountains in the background looked picturesque.  Unfortunately, they are not as noticeable in the picture. 

This week is pink week, and Zeta pinked out the front lawn as part of the weeklong and campus wide initiative to gain understanding and raise money for breast cancer research. 

Goofing around with my friend Maggie during tailgates (and decked out in mocos).