Living in the Midwest, I always feel like we have the best of all four seasons. (ugh, except maybe for spring!) I love each season for its own unique qualities. Each time a new season comes around, I think this is my favorite season. But really, I don't think I have a favorite. I love them all.

We're one week into Fall, and although today is the first day the weather feels more like Fall than Summer, I am seeing more and more of the reasons I love Fall.

Colors- Everywhere I look I see changing hues of greens, reds, yellows, and everything in between. I love the changing colors of the trees. Seeing the perfect red leaf lying on the ground in a walk through the woods is true Autumn delight.

Pumpkins - Pumpkin soup, pumpkin latte, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkins on the porch and in the garden. Nothing says Fall more than those big, round, orange pumpkins turned jack-o-lanterns for Halloween!

Apples - Hot apple cider on a chilly Fall evening, apple picking on a Saturday afternoon. Fall is about crisp, sweet tasting apples and good for your health too!

Football - Whether it's high school, college or pro, come September it's all about football. Look on Pinterest, your favorite blogs, and e-magazines, and you'll find all the latest and greatest recipes for tailgating. Check this out from Buzzfeed:

Soups and stews - Another popular topic for recipe collections, there is nothing more comforting on a chilly Fall night than a warm bowl of soup or stew. Here's a great roundup from my favorite BHG.com.

Halloween - Pretty much starting in mid September, you'll see new ideas for costumes, party food and home decor for Halloween. It's a favorite day to look forward to as we enter Fall, and once trick-or-treat has come and gone, we are ready for Thanksgiving, which leads me to my final sign of Fall...

Gratitude - I saved this one for last because it's the most important. Of course, it should be a year round rather than a seasonal concept, but with the coming of Thanksgiving, gratitude seems to come to the forefront with the start of fall. Look at Facebook and you'll see more and more people commenting on gratitude. Either way, I am grateful to hear people acknowledging their blessings.

Have a happy Fall and enjoy your favorite reasons for the season.