Apple Picking!

One of our favorite things to do in the Fall is pick apples. We started the tradition in Pittsburgh and were able to do it in Oregon, but unfortunately couldn't find anywhere to go in Illinois (but we did buy a ton of apples and make applesauce, so we still had our apple tradition).

So we found a place about 35 minutes from our house out in the country, and picked about 60 lbs. of apples. We have loved making applesauce the last couple years (and eating it all year long), so we wanted to do it again this year. I hope we have enough! We may end up needing more eventually, but we'll see. The place we went to also had pumpkins, so the kids had fun each picking out a pumpkin. I am still getting over bronchitis that I've had for about 2 weeks now, so I felt a little like old woman struggling to breathe all day, but it was still a lot of fun. It was a beautiful clear sunny day, a little cool in the morning, and it was nice to be out and about. We packed a lunch and spent a long time there. It was a beautiful drive out there too with all the leaves starting to change. In another week or two it's going to be spectacular around here!

 Mmmm apples.

 This was the most scenic spot, the rest was actually a bit of an eyesore unfortunately. I'm not sure we'll come back to this same farm next year (not just because of the scenery), but it was fun for this year! Someday I would love to take them to my favorite fall spot in California - Apple Hill. It just smells like Autumn and has all the apple treats you could ever want.

 I want her highlights. :) Pretty girl!

 Someone likes to pose...

 Eli does NOT like to pose, but I convinced to let me take one picture.

 Anna liked to help push the wagon. Jeremy was grateful for the help.

  Cute kids! We got a couple gallons of their fresh apple cider to take home too and let the kids share a caramel apple. They were pretty excited about that - it had sprinkles...whoa. We were wishing they had apple doughnuts too, but I think we'll have to make those at home this year. Right now we have an apple cake in the oven! It's a rough life. Hooray for Fall!