Fall Into Fall: Apple Picking

When was the last time you went Apple Picking? You either remember because it was some time this fall or you vaguely recall because it was on a class trip many years ago. If I told you the last time I went apple picking, some of you were probably still in diapers if you were even born back then. Yep it’s was that long ago until a few weeks ago.

On our list of fall activities was heading to the apple farm. It took some time to plan due to The Hubs work schedule plus our co-parenting weekend schedule for Big Z but we made it just before the season ended. And it was well worth it. If you have never gone or didn’t make it this year, be sure to add it to your fall 2015 calendar. 

We made our way up North to the Red Apple Barn in Ellijah. I must say it was not as far as people make it seen. The traffic was light so the trip up was only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Does that sound long to you? It really isn’t. Not with singing, chatting and enjoying the ride. Well the toddler meltdown halfway there was a bit much but we survived. 

We made our way down the hill to hitch a ride on the tractor that took us out to the fields. Before jumping on the tractor, the girls enjoyed a little hula hoop fun.

And then it was hand in hand with daddy while mommy trailed behind to snap pics of course. 

We took in all the different trees and felt really excited about picking our very own apples. Note to self (well husbands): Don’t wear fairly new shoes and just because it’s the mountains doesn’t mean it will be cold. Hubs had on nice boots and I was overdressed! But the girls? Please you know kids could care less about the elements. 

To my surprise Sugar Plum Z was really into apple picking. She reached her hands up several times and even tried to eat apples that were laying about. Don’t worry, I saved her. Another note: Moms you will have to relax and just let the kids eat the apples from the tree sans washing. Kids will not wait and guess what? Ours are still alive. 

Since it was the end of the season, we missed a lot of the apples but the ones we picked turned out to be our favorite of the bunch. The hands down winner was the Pritchett Golden and the runner up was the teeny tiny Yates.

 

Well Sugar Plum definitely named Yates her number one. That’s what happens when the apple is certified toddler size!

The farm also had bins filled with pre-picked apples so we were able to grab a few more varieties including Granny Smith. A few of those made it into a Banana Apple Bread Recipe. 

We learned about the apples in season at different times, how long the trees take to mature and how to grow an apple tree. Apple seeds are not the best way. It’s the branches. Who knew? We also collected a few leaves for a fall leaf collage Sugar Plum is working on.

Apparently you’re not suppose to climb the trees. On our way back from the field we saw a sign on the tractor that said “DO NOT CLIMB THE TREES.” Notice I said on our way back. I promise we didn’t know before hand. Now we do.

Prior to leaving the girls ran through the pumpkin patch.

Then we all enjoyed hot apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. We picked up some goodies to go including more apple cider, a peach cider and a candy apple for Big Z and more doughnuts. 

Confession: The apple cider doughnuts were a big part of the planning of this trip. A mama has her needs!

Did you go apple picking this season? What were your favorite apples?