Because fall is the favorite season around here, Andrew and I make a big effort each year to really celebrate! I thought it was only fitting that I have a Shade of Shay dedicated to our favorite fall family traditions. Years from now, I want to be able to look back and remember how we celebrated. From football to food, with pumpkins, fairs and gorgeous weather in-between, we soak in every minute of these three glorious months.
I love my subway art sign my friend Amy made me…it’s all of my favorite parts to the season :).
Here you go…our favorite fall traditions…
Listen, the Shull family loves Oktoberfest! We love the German influence, we love the fun music, we love the whimsy and we most definitely love the food!
Putting out my seasonal decorations is a favorite tradition at our house! My kiddos get so excited when they see their favorite fall thing pop back up in the house…
This was the entrance to our rent house last fall. Putting the fall decorations out really made that house feel like a home. You can see the entire post here.
It was so much fun decorating the new house this year for fall! You can see the entire post here.
I tell you what…very few things make my heart happier than seeing pumpkins scattered around my house :).
During the fall, we spend most Saturdays and Sundays watching football. Our K-State Wildcats and Dallas Cowboys dominate our weekends (and thankfully, both teams are doing really well this year!!). It would not be fall without football at the Shull house!
Um, the State Fair of Texas is a HUGE tradition in our state. Like, really huge. I married this Missouri boy and quickly introduced him to Big Tex and the fabulousness that is a Fletcher’s Corny Dog and it’s been a family tradition ever since.
No fall is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch! Andrew and I visited our first real pumpkin patch when we lived in the Detroit area and knew we would always want to carry on the tradition with our kiddos.
I just love the sight of pumpkins galore!!
And you guys know how much we love our fall food! We of course stock up on goodies like this…
Dear Target,
Thank you for having fall everything in your store.
Hugs and kisses,
Me
Candy Corn Cupcakes…your kids will think you’re super mom 🙂
Halloween Popcorn…we munched on this the other night while watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
And for supper, we’re eating a lot of yummy dinners like my Beer Cheese Joes…
For all of my fall recipes, click here.
Eeks!! Halloween is one of my very favorite days of the year! I love, love, love trick or treating with my kiddos! (I also love digging through their candy and stealing all of the Heath Toffee Bars…but that’s just a side note). My little family carries on the same tradition we had growing up…come home from school and get ready, then we eat a hearty dinner (usally Ghoul-ash!), head out to trick or treat and then come home and pass out candy to neighbors while we sort and snack on our loot.
This year…
…Raphael and Mulan are going to trick or treat with the Slaughter kiddos and we are so excited about that!!
I have a few personal favorite fall traditions…little things that just make me smile this time of year…
…I love buying my kiddos Halloween outfits to wear to school and other festive events.
Ahhh! So cute!!
I’m also a sucker for a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a fall edition of Southern Living magazine.
And don’t even get me started on Bath and Body Works fall candles. I may need to join some BBW Candles Anonymous group for my addiction. When they go on sale 2 for $22, I just can’t help myself.
Speaking of Bath and Body Works…um, yes, please.
And a little Pecan Pumpkin Butter on my English muffin each morning just makes my day better.
There you have it! Some of our favorite things about fall!
Speaking of fall…
Yeah, you need to make this.
Happy Fall Y’all!
Anonymous says
That's such a cute picture of you and Andrew at the fair! Fun post! -thanks for sharing 🙂
Amber says
I need an intervention with the BBW candles too!!! I stockpile those bad boys!!! They are heavenly!!!
Erika Slaughter says
You forgot your obsession with Halloween pajamas!! 😉
Sandra Litcher says
I am with you, fall is my favorite season! I just found Pumpkin Butter for the first time at Trader Joe's and I am in love…but pecan pumpkin butter sounds even more amazing!
graceandloveblog says
oh, I love, love, love a good Fall list! Isn't this time of the year wonderful!! Loved seeing the past pictures also! So fun!!!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Well, I bet you just had the best time writing this post! Your kids on the porch in their festive shirts is my fav picture for sure. I like Smith's face from last year the best! 🙂 And after a couple of years you finally managed to pass along your candle obsession to me. Do you think the State Fair obsession will rub off next? I'm doubtful….
Anonymous says
How on Earth do you watch football?? I have two young kids and it's nearly impossible just watching the Cowboys!
Natalie Zambreski says
Love this! I need to give the pumpkin pecan butter a try!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Loved everything about this post! Every. Thing. 😉
kimm atwood says
Love fall and everything about this post. The pecan waffle candle is my absolute new fall favorite
Neila says
Do ya'll have a trader joes neat by? They are on pumpkin overload! The Pumpkin croissants are sinful! Pumpkin poptarts, pumpkin granola, pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin ice cream etc etc…
Cathy says
Can I ask where you got the candle holder you have the pumpkin candle in? I've been looking for something like that for a while.
Anonymous says
Fun post! Your kiddos are so cute. I love your son's long sleeve pumkin shirt. I need one for mine! Question, why did you guys live in Detroit?
Thanks, Erica.
Molly M says
Oh yeah, there is NOTHING better than fall. And traditions. And family. You killed your list!
Leigh says
I love fall!!! The football, the food, the pumpkins, the cooler air all make me happy. I love this post and especially the pictures of your sweet kiddos.
Anonymous says
Hi Shay,
One question… How do you stay so positive? I tend to let negativity get the best of me and I'm really trying to change that.
Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
You know, I've always felt that we have one life to live and every day is a gift…so, we should appreciate it. I've had some really hard times and really bad days but I know that the Lord loves me and in the end, that's really all that matters. My joy, peace and hope come from the Lord.
melissabunny100 says
You are super mommy!!
Stephanie S. says
Hi! I was wondering if you have any candle burning tips? I am obsessed with B&BW 2/$22 candles and I love three wicks. I went crazy last year and would burn two at a time in my tiny studio apartment. When I moved a few months ago and took everything off the walls there were soot outlines everywhere! I don't want that to happen at my new place but I can't stand not burning candles. Do you do something to avoid the soot?
Anonymous says
Shay, have you checked out the Dallas arboretum during the fall?? It is amazing! Great for kids!
Jane @ anothermommablog.blogspot.com says
Great traditions! We love going to the fair every year, and the fair is never complete without Fletchers for sure!
Bekah Bruce says
I countdown the days until the fall candles and BBW come out. Love them so much!
Wendy says
If you like greek yogurt…I highly recommend Chobani's Pumpkin Spice flavor. It is AWESOME!
Alison says
I love all of your favorite fall traditions! I am going to try your popcorn mix. Looks so fun!
Alyssa Albany says
Such a fun post!!! Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year!! 🙂
Anonymous says
I think you should do a Shade of Shay on being positive- I feel like so many people ask about that!
Brenda says
I made your tex-mex chicken soup today and it was so yummy! I added black beans and a smidge of sour cream. Delish! Thanks for sharing.
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
I LOVE that fall print!! And of course…ALL of the fall candles. All of them.
Tracy says
Where did you get your tan jacket that you are wearing in the pic with your family? It looks so cute with the green shirt underneath! Thanks!