Apple Orchard

Do you know how long I have wanted to go apple picking? Since before we had kids. I don't think I have ever been to an apple orchard. (If I have, I don't remember it!)

Last Saturday we packed up and drove about an hour to Kuiper's Farm. It rained on us for most of the time but we didn't care. We had so much fun! It started with a tractor ride out to the orchard.

I had no idea that apples grew in large clusters on the tree branches. They looked like enormous grapes. Because of the chilly, rainy day that it was, the apples we picked were cold, and they were the most amazing apples I've ever tasted. Honest. They were deep red Empire apples - sweet, juicy and crisp. I'm hooked. And after just re-reading what I wrote, I fear that many of you are now laughing at me. But it was fun to experience something for the first time with the kids (for whom everything is new!).

The guy who gave us instructions said that they encourage sampling while we picked apples... so we all took him up on it!

Ellie's new face when I tell her to say "cheese"...

Oh yeah... we did have one low point when Ellie refused to walk or follow us back to the tractor. This girl kills me - she protests like this frequently (most often when I am trying to haul all 3 kids into church to drop Robbie off for preschool). Is it possible that she already feels the need to assert herself as the middle child, so as not to be forgotten or pushed around!?

My little gal.

Daddy saved the day by luring her out with another shiny apple to eat, and we made our way back on the tractor again.

Doing things like this makes me want to live in a more rural area. It's so beautiful and you can see so much of the sky... I told Rob it feels like you can really breathe out there! (He laughed at me.)

Please note my attempt to get a picture with all 3 kids, and how uncooperative both kids were. Robbie refused to sit close to me, and Ellie, well... (bottom right corner).

At least the baby goes along with my attempts. :)

This little guy... my precious buddy.

My favorite from the whole day! (below)

We grabbed a dozen cider donuts and some apple cider on our way out, and wrapped up a pretty perfect Fall morning with hot ham sandwiches and football after putting the kids down for naps. I could go again already!