Superhero Hot Dog Races at the Indians – go, Wonder Woman!

With the exception of Saturday’s epic dinner at Greenhouse and a short stop by the Horseshoe Casino, Scott and I spent the long Labor Day weekend relaxing at home.

While we tinkered with projects around the house and enjoyed a walk down to the lake, the unofficial end of summer was the perfect time to reflect back on the season. And looking back I couldn’t believe how it passed in the blink of an eye.

This photo would’ve been perfect if I was looking at the camera

From back-to-back weddings in June (congrats, Jen and Matthew and Ali and Gary!) to fireworks at the Cleveland Indians, we didn’t let the heat stop us from celebrating summer’s festivities.

Putting our Cedar Point season pass to good use

Scott and I were grateful we became season passholders again for Cedar Park, where we said goodbye to Disaster Transport and hello to the swim-up bar.

And between all this, we squeezed in quality time at some of our favorite Cleveland institutions like the Zoo, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and Art and Natural History museums for unicorns and krakens and dragons – oh my!

A few blue crabs went missing in Fleeton, VA that day

All of this culminated in our annual trip to Virginia where we picked a lot of crab, practiced our swandives off my parents’ dock, and I turned a year older.

The best surprise party a super hero-loving gal could ask for

My only regret? Not having time to make it to the pool – but there’s always next summer for that!

As fun as Summer 2012 was, I’m happy that my favorite time of year is finally upon us. I fell in love with Fall the first time I took a bite of pumpkin pie and it’s been a love affair I’ve cultivated ever since.

Watching Jason Mraz at Blossom

After squeezing in one final outdoor concert at Blossom, I’m ready for all that this season is ready to bring.  From football to Fall feasts, Halloweekends, hosting Scott’s family for Thanksgiving, and a couple of weekend roadtrips we have planned, there’s a lot to look forward to.

What are you looking forward to this Fall?

Leave a comment below and if you need some inspiration, here are 10 links to upcoming events that already have me in a Fall mood:

Cleveland Garlic Festival – Sept. 8 and 9 (this weekend!)

Clam Bakes – Now through early October

Cedar Point Halloweekends – Sept. 14 – Oct. 28

Sparx City Hop – Sept.15

Cleveland Botanical Garden’s RIPE Fest – Sept. 22 and 23

Geneva Grape Jamboree – Sept. 29 and 30

OSU Viewing Party to Benefit PlayhouseSquare’s Bus Fund – Sept. 29

MOCA Cleveland’s Opening Night HEX Party – Oct. 6

Put-in-Bay Island Wine Festival – Oct. 6

Cleveland Beer Week – Oct. 19 through 27