Fall has arrived at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and our kids are welcoming the crisp autumn season with open arms. As the leaves change from green to gold, our children shared a few of their favorite things about this time of year.

“I like jumping in the leaves and the fact that it’s not too cold and not too hot,” said 12-year-old Jeremiah.

“I like the colored leaves,” said 11-year-old Alex.

Both boys live in Noha Home and share another fall favorite: the hot apple cider that Yolanda Whitfield makes every fall. Whitfield, Noha Home’s senior day coordinator, says she likes to have batches of the cider ready when the boys come home for the day. For added flavor, the recipe includes orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Whitfield tops each cup off with whipped cream.

“It’s something warm to brighten their day and made with love. It’s a ‘welcome home’ type of thing,” she said. “We start making it in October, when the weather starts to turn cold.”