Apple picking and family fun

What a wonderful day today was! We had family fun time all day long...but by in large the best part of the day was the apple picking trip.

Apple picking has got to be one of my all time favorite activities. Every fall I look forward to it and try to find a weekend that my family can make the journey to Elijay to go pick apples. This year was no exception. Although Josh and I had originally planned for the annual apple picking to occur next weekend, this weekend ended up being the right time for it!

So after church today, my parents, niece, nephews, daughter and I loaded ourselves into the van and headed over to Elijay. The trip over was delightful. Ella was a great traveler as were the rest of the children. And yes, the fun was just beginning. When we got to the orchard, Annie, Danny and Gabe had their pictures taken on a tractor. Ella had fallen asleep just as we were arriving at the orchard so I took her inside to change her.

Then we all sat down and celebrated arriving at our destination by eating: fried apple pies, sample apple slices, and popcorn. Of course, we had apple cider slushie to drink. Ella was in heaven! She got to taste little bites of apple. I let her try to the apple cider slushie and even the apple pie. She was making mmmmm sounds and popping her lips for more. It was obvious how much fun she was having.

But the best was yet to come! Apple picking!!! So we all walked out to the orchard and purchased bags to pick apples. There's just nothing like picking your own apples, y'all. We took pictures as we picked and had a blast. The children even found a dog that lived in the orchard and played with him.

Once the picking was over, we headed back to the store. Ella had her picture taken on the pumpkins out front and Annie helped her "drive" the tractor. Then we loaded up and headed on to another apple store.

At this one Ella and Danny rode in a wagon that I was pulling around the store. Danny was being the "big cousin" and helping Ella, so that she wouldn't fall over in the wagon. They had samples of apple cider to drink....Ella spilled Danny's on his socks. Oops! But all was still okay. Annie wandered through the candy store....Momma and I picked up apple breads and cider to take home. And I even found a belated b-day present for Momma. Then we loaded up with some more apples (store bought, but a sampling of each kind available) and headed home.

The trip home was filled with laughter and talk about the many good times we've had over the years and with peppermint sticks. Momma bought soft peppermint sticks at Annie's request. Annie distributed them to everyone, including Ella (after they asked my permission). Ella LOVED her peppermint stick. It was the first one she's had...and she got peppermint everywhere. But her expressions and bouncing made it all worth it! I think we all are looking forward to repeating this tradition again next year. I certainly know that Ella and I are!

What family traditions do you look forward to the most each year?

Betty