Apple-ation Milestones

We thoroughly enjoyed our annual apple pilgrimage, and I realized afresh how much the kids are growing and changing--it was sort of like time-lapse photography.

We visited a new apple farm--I had a coupon. :o) Yes, even traditions are subject to good deals. :o) We really liked Justus Orchards though--it's a family-owned farm and the people were incredibly friendly. They really seemed glad that we were there. Everything was very clean and fresh. They also have dwarf apple trees which translates into very easy picking for the shorter members (eh-hem) of this family. This little guy was a baby last year ... not so much anymore. :o)

And this young lady is sporting a distinct gap in her upper row of pearly whites. :o) She had yet to lose her first tooth as of last year. We got there about mid-morning (10:30) and were pleasantly surprised by how empty the orchards were. When we left around 1:30, it was very busy and parking was scarce. It was still pretty foggy when we first arrived, but it cleared away soon enough. Another bonus to this orchard--their rows were well-marked, so you knew what apples you were picking.

Everybody took up the invitation to come back to the store with full tummies from the apples we had munched out in the fields.

This little man LOVES apples. He munched an entire apple down to the core as he wandered the fields on Daddy's back.


Yes, we eat while we work.

Hannah and Matthew have obviously grown, but I think the change in Peter struck me most. It was pretty special to watch this young man take over the wagon. It was just a couple years ago that he was the one riding on Daddy's back, and this year he took responsibility for pulling the wagon all over the orchard.

Loaded down with apples it was quite the haul.

Reinforcements came for the hills. :o)

And that was our day.

Thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Particularly by this mommy who is very thankful for the blessings of her crew.