Apples, Sunshine and More Mountains

This morning was Jeffrey's annual field trip to the apple orchard. It's one of our favorite places to visit and I'm sure we'll head back a few more times this year.

We woke to a dreary morning with predictions of a high of 72. We crossed our fingers that it would clear up in time for the trip. So both mom and boy dressed in layers, since the orchard is at the top of a "mountain" (that's what we call big hills in VA). I scrounged around until I found some rain gear for the two of us also. As we left the house we could see the sky clearing.

On the drive into town the sky continued to clear. By the time we arrived at the top of the mountain it was a gorgeous early fall morning. Except it wasn't 70. It was closer to 80 and climbing. Here we both were in jeans and layered shirts. I couldn't get him to take his undershirt off for anything.

While at the orchard the kids got to go to Apple School and learn about apples. Then we got a nice hayride and saw a 100-year old tree. It still bears fruit. Very cool. After that we were given some bags and went off to pick apples. The area open for picking had been pretty well picked over. There were not many lower apples (this place does a TON of field trips). Jeff and I walked a bit and finally I got him up on my shoulders where he reached a few. We decided to venture down the hill a bit to find some lower apples. After 5 minutes of walking I picked a row and decided that would be it. We found a couple of trees where he could reach several apples while on my shoulders. I wish someone had gotten a picture of it. We must have been quite the sight.

Afterward we settled in for a picnic with a view of the "mountains" that was to die for. Both of us were totally soaked in sweat so it was nice to sit for a few minutes. The teachers brought each of the kids apple donuts and some cider to go with their lunch. These apple donuts are totally to die for...mmmmmm.

After some play time with his friends, we picked out a few more apples and a gallon of cider. We also grabbed a cider slushy (half frozen cider). And to think when we got up in the morning I was looking forward to getting a cup of hot cider.