Pick Another Peck (or 2 or 3) of Apples

Apple picking has fast become our most loved, most anticipated family tradition. Calem was nearly 2 the first time we took him apple picking, and it has been something he looks forward to ever since. Once again, we returned to Miller's Apple Hill in Amherst for an apple-picking bonanza. This year we picked 2 1/2 pecks of apples. That's about 35 lbs. of apples!

Scott and the boys on the hay ride out to the orchard. Both boys were so excited to have their very own 1/4 peck bags to fill with their very own apples. We encouraged them to look for the little tiny apples just right for their hands. They really enjoyed hunting for them, and turned out to be perfect for snacks because they went through a phase of not wanting their apples sliced, but wanting whole apples for a snack.

Taking a ride on the hay wagon out to the orchard was less than comfortable for me and my ginormous, 8-month pregnant belly--but well worth the family fun and bounty of delicious apples we brought home.

I'm pretty sure more apples landed in their tummies than in their apple bags!

Calem managed to fill his bag!

Notice Isaac's is still empty, but his mouth is still full!

As much as the boys love picking and eating the apples out in the orchard, the trip would not be complete without a refreshing drink of fresh apple cider. They look forward to it so much, and the apple picking may very well be a means to an end! They like to take their little bottles of cider and relax in the pumpkin corral when we return from the orchard, and before they use their second wind to tackle the hay mazes in "Pumpkin Land." It's always a full and tiring day, but something we all really look forward each fall. I'm pretty sure it will be something we still put on the calendar and drag the kids to even when they're 17 and complaining they have better things to do. This family tradition shall live on.

Now, what to do with 35 lbs. of apples...