1. Go apple picking

One of our favorite fall traditions is to go apple picking. Put on a light jacket, grab a gunny sack and head to your local orchard for a great time hunting for the shiniest, ripest apples on the tree. If you're lucky, you can also enjoy some fresh cider pressed right on site.

2. Make caramel apples

What better to do with freshly picked apples than to dip them in caramel and other delicious toppings? We love using caramel, white chocolate and crushed vanilla cookies for our apples.

3. Make homemade doughnuts

The only thing better than fresh doughnuts are fresh homemade doughnuts. You can make it as involved or as simple as you want, just don't let the activity overwhelm you and take the fun out of it. For us, homemade doughnuts are often as simple as buying a tube of biscuit dough, heating up some oil and letting the kids have fun poking holes in the biscuits before we fry them up.

4. Have storytime

If it's a night you'd prefer to stay in, there's really nothing cozier than blankets, pillows and good books. Settle the kids down with some of your favorite children's books, then reach for something longer. Some of my fondest childhood memories are being curled up with blankets and sitting together with siblings while we listened to my dad read "Tom Sawyer" to us.

5. Take a library trip

Browsing at the library always makes for an enjoyable outing, and many libraries stay open surprisingly late, making it even easier to visit. Our local secondhand bookstore says it best, "Browsing: finding the perfect book you didn't know you were looking for!"

6. Support high school sports

If you enjoy sports, fall offers some great opportunities to get out to a game or meet. It's especially rewarding — and generally much more affordable — to get out and support your local high school teams, many of which are just beginning their volleyball, tennis, soccer, football and fall baseball seasons.

7. Visit a farmers' market

If you haven't made it out as much as you'd like, now is the time to stroll through a local farmers' market. With the fall harvest underway, you'll find delicious homegrown offerings while enjoying the communal, friendly atmosphere.

8. Take a scenic drive

There's really not a better time of year to take a scenic drive than now. In the beautiful canyons near us, the fall colors are just beginning to show in the leaves.

9. Listen to an old fashioned radio show

Another really fun option for a night in is to listen to some old-time radio shows. There are some really simple databases you can access online or via podcasts. Our favorites are the old mystery shows. The stories are entertaining. They're also usually interjected with old advertisements, which are quite funny.

10. Brew homemade butterbeer and pumpkin juice

When we feel fall in the air, our thoughts turn to some of our favorite seasonal beverages: butterbeer and pumpkin juice. Each season, we brew up a batch or two of both and invite over friends to help us cheer the return of fall. (We're still trying to find the best recipes, so comment below if you have suggestions for us!)

11. Visit the state fair

We're fortunate that the state fair is always scheduled in the fall. So once September rolls around, we start watching for billboards announcing the dates. We love gathering with the community and celebrating with carnival games, livestock shows and ferris wheels.

12. Go to a bakery

We always love stopping by our local bakeries for some freshly made sweet breads, but we think it's especially exciting to stop in for some warm bread when the scent of fresh pumpkin bread is wafting through the air.

13. Visit a fall festival

We have a handful of local farms, gardens and old-time villages that host wonderful fall festivals. Hay rides, pumpkin patches and corn mazes are just a few of the offerings we enjoy.

14. Eat apple pie

We'll end where we started: with the fall apples. And don't get us wrong, we love pumpkin pie, too. We just like to hold off for a month or two more on the pumpkin and instead enjoy fresh apple pie. Depending on the day and temperature, we'll either top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate.

That's our list. What would you add to it? We'd love to know what fall activities you're looking forward to — please share in the comments below!

Editor's note: This article originally appeared on Bookroo.com It has been republished here with permission.

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Being a father is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It's also a role that can come with a lot of pressure. Dads are looked to as providers, protectors, comforters, teachers, role models, and even heroes. In today's dog-eat-dog world, where only the strong survive, this pressure can start to make dads feel like there's no room for weakness. After all, that's rule number one for James Bond, right? Never let them see you bleed.

Yet in a world where a father might feel like there is little room for failure, a willingness to be wrong is actually the key to becoming the best father you can be. This willingness to acknowledge you're not a perfect father, as much as you wish you were, has a name: humility.

Humility isn't generally a word we equate with success in any role. In fact, humility reminds me of something Charles Barkley said, "The meek may inherit the earth. But they won't get the ball." Yet Socrates was the wisest man in Athens because he recognized there was so much he didn't know. Similarly, the best fathers realize they're not perfect but have room to improve.

I think we all know fathers who lack humility. These are fathers who can't be wrong. They are fathers whose judgment can't be questioned. Fathers like Danny DeVito's character in the film Matilda who, when challenged by his daughter about the honesty of rolling back car odometers, responds "Listen, you little wiseacre: I'm smart, you're dumb. I'm big, you're little. I'm right, you're wrong. And there's nothing you can do about it."

Fathers who lack humility aren't willing to see their own flaws. They aren't open to constructive criticism from others. Even while they may have developed their hardened shell with the best intentions of being strong for their family, they have impeded their ability to become better fathers by developing a stubborn, prideful approach to addressing their shortcomings.

Humble fathers, on the other hand, admit there is always room for improvement. They have enough confidence to be able to accept that, sometimes, they're wrong. They view their imperfections as opportunities for growth, rather than weaknesses that should be ignored or denied.

Consider the example of two well-known fathers from the wizarding world of "Harry Potter:" one a humble father, and the other, not so humble. The unassuming Arthur Weasley creates a home environment with loyalty, love, and a healthy amount of laughter. His curiosity in Muggle inventions shows a man interested in improving, broadening his understanding, and learning from experience. These traits shine through in his attempts to parent his rambunctious house of redheads.

In contrast stands Lucius Malfoy: arrogant, condescending, and demanding. No special relationship of love or respect is demonstrated between Lucius and his son, Draco. Instead, a closeminded father's poor example of prejudice-ness and prideful-ness are carried on for a second generation by his son.

Between Arthur and Lucius, which father would you rather have? Which father would you rather be?

A humble father desiring to improve is always learning: from good books, from examples around him, and from his own experiences, especially his mistakes. A young father is like the novice pilot who once asked his retiring chief how the chief had flown 40 years without an accident. "Good decisions," replied the chief. "And how did you always make good decisions?" asked the pilot. "Experience," said the chief. "And how did you gain experience?" asked the pilot. "Bad decisions," responded the chief.

As with good pilots, good fathers also learn over time to be better fathers. They recognize they have shortcomings. They ask for help and feedback from their wife, children, and other loved ones. And they never stop working to improve. Lowering the personal force field is never easy for anyone, but good fathers humbly experience the discomfort so they can become better fathers.

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You've probably heard that a happy wife equals a happy life. So what can you do each day to make sure your wife — and your life — is happy? Here are ten simple tips that are certain to yield high returns when it comes to your wife's happiness.

1. Tell her you love her

Cliché, you say? I beg to differ. How many of us fall into the rut of the old farmer who, after exchanging wedding vows, explained to his wife, "I've told you I love you. If anything changes, I'll let you know"? We may think expressing our affection verbally is unnecessary; but she thinks the opposite, and will love you even more once you realize that.

2. Build her up

I've heard a very successful, accomplished husband talk about an evening he spent with his wife when they had grown old together. His wife quietly whispered to him, "You have always given me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it." Building your wife's confidence in her abilities is certain to lead to her happiness. In particular, avoid sarcasm with her. It is demeaning and will not build her up.

3. Give her some space

While your wife loves your company, she also values her independence. Sometimes what she really needs is a little time to herself — without the kids, and yes, even without her hubby. She will appreciate you being aware of her feelings, and recognizing that some alone time is needed. Offer to take care of things while she has some personal time — whether it be a walk in the park, some quiet reading time or a visit to the salon.

4. Look nice for her

Classic rockers ZZ Top had it right when they sang that "every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man." That includes your wife. Shower, style your hair, put on something nice. Your wife will notice and appreciate when you look good.

5. Don't make her hangry

My sister-in-law hates when my brother solves her overwhelming, complex life problems with a little good food. "I like to believe there's more to my problems than just my being hangry," she laughs, "but I'm always amazed at how often that's the problem." Even if it's not a case of being hangry, good food can change a mood and be the perfect pick-me-up. Wise husbands with happy wives keep the chocolate stash well-stocked.

6. Be faithful to her

Knowing she's your one and only is sure to bring your wife much happiness. Show her that commitment through your actions, when you're together and when you're not. Be true to her, even in your thoughts. Don't ever make her feel inadequate or unloved.

7. Know what she (really) likes

In the movie "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," the paranoid giraffe Melman confronts Moto Moto, the desired mating companion of every hippopotamus at the watering hole. As Moto Moto attempts to woo Gloria, the newest female on the scene (and Melman's secret love), Melman confronts him, saying "Listen, Mototo ... [Y]ou have found yourself the perfect woman. If I was ever so lucky to find the perfect woman, I would give her flowers every day! And not just any flowers, OK? Her favorites are orchids. White. And I would bring her breakfast every day. Six loaves of wheat bread with butter on both sides. No crusts. Just the way she likes it." Happy wives are married to husbands like Melman who have taken close note of what their wives really like.

8. Think about her

How often throughout the day do you let your wife know she's on your mind? A quick call at lunch, a text message in the afternoon or even a special delivery will let her know you're thinking about her. I can relate to husbands who get sucked into their work and lose track of time without checking in; but I've also heard of other husbands who set alarms on their phones to remind them to send a thoughtful email or note.

9. Provide for her

I know of a daughter who asked her father what he thought she should look for in a husband in order to have a happy married life. The father's advice surprised her. He didn't tell her to find someone that was rich, handsome, strong, funny, smart or anything that she might have expected. Instead, the father said, "Marry someone that will get up and go to work for you every day." Whether your work involves donning a hard hat as you head to the construction site, or getting the kids out of bed and ready for school while your wife heads to her job, get up every day and go to work for your wife.

10. Make her a priority

Your wife needs to know she is your priority. This is often accomplished by spending quality time with her. Set the phones aside, and let her know you are focused on her.

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It's an unfortunate, incorrect myth that parents seem to accept too often: the romance in our relationship cools off and takes a back seat once there are children in the scene. My wife and I reject this notion, and we have learned from experience that establishing a regular date night together helps our romantic relationship continue to grow stronger, even as parents.

These 5 tips have helped us make date night a meaningful experience that helps us grow closer as a couple.

1. Get a babysitter

My wife and I have a goal to go out on a date once a week. While we don't always succeed, we have learned that to truly have a meaningful date, we need to get a babysitter.

We love our boys. We love having them around. We love planning meaningful activities to do with them, together as a family. But trial and error has shown me that one of those family activities should not be date night. When we have brought the boys along on a date to save money or because we didn't manage to set something up with a babysitter, I've noticed that my wife and I don't have the same meaningful opportunity to spend time together. Duh, right? Seems pretty obvious, but it took experiencing it for myself to understand the importance of spending date night together without the kids.

So, if you want date night to be meaningful and to nurture your relationship, get a babysitter.

2. Serve each other

Serving each other throughout the week is an important part of getting ready for a meaningful date night.

I remember a lesson from high school where love was defined as putting someone else's needs before your own. The definition has stuck with me, and I feel like it's very accurate. And there's no better way to show someone you're putting them first than to serve them.

My experience is that serving a spouse can be more difficult once you have children. You both get so caught up serving your children that you sometimes lose track of things you can do for one another. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do for each other is to lighten the load of the children for a bit. Be especially sensitive to the needs of the spouse who stays at home with the kids. Allow him or her to get out and get some fresh air at the end of the work day.

Sometimes service opportunities arise spontaneously, but, more often than not, you need to be purposeful in searching them out. I'm confident that if you haven't been putting one another first throughout the week, date night won't have the same significance.

3. Hold hands

Showing affection throughout the week is also important to enjoying time together on date night. Physical touch is a natural and powerful way to connect with others. A simple touch releases oxytocin, a.k.a. "the love hormone." Some experts recommend up to 3 hours a day of hand-holding and other non-intimate physical touch. Maybe you can't claim to reach that threshold, but as with service, compassion and love, physical touch needs to be shared throughout the week if you want date night to be a success.

4. Make a plan

To be meaningful, date night requires planning. Sure, come date night, you could just leave the kids with the babysitter and see where the road takes you. But if you give the night a bit more advanced planning, you'll get more benefits out of the date. First, if you've made a plan, you'll have something concrete to look forward to, which helps anticipation and excitement build. Second, you'll share more experiences of substance than you would if you always just "see what happens." And third, you'll find date night is easier to cancel without a plan or commitment.

Keep in mind that a plan doesn't mean expensive or elaborate. Also, planning for date night doesn't always have to be the task of one spouse or the other. Generally, my wife and I try to take turns deciding who gets to plan the upcoming date night.

5. Get ready

I remember when getting ready for a date was a big deal: fresh shower, fresh clothes, fresh breath, clean car. These days, at least for my wife and me, date night seems less like that. Instead, it seems more like hurry home, hurry and feed the kids, hurry and get them in pajamas, then hurry out the door once the baby sitter has arrived. No special attire. No freshening up. No fresh cologne or perfume. No clean car. It's something we've recently noticed and are trying to change.

Also, as a helpful tip to fellow husbands and fathers-I once was in a meeting with an expert on clothing design. At the end of the meeting he offered a grooming tip for men: to be more attractive, focus more time on the cut of your hair and the cleanliness of your shoes. The comment has really stayed with me, and I believe it's worthwhile advice. In my personal experience, my wife is quite careful to make sure her own hair and her own shoes look good, so it makes sense to me that she would find it attractive when I do the same.

I hope these tips make date night a more romantic and meaningful time for you and your spouse. What tips would you add? Please share them in the comments below!

This article was originally published on Bookroo Blog. It has been republished here with permission.

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