The One With Apple Picking

 

Earlier today, we celebrated the first day of autumn (it arrived at 8:43 AM today), by going apple picking. Of course, we visited our traditional spot - Russell Orchard in Ipswich.

Emmie was worried that we might get there too late (we left at 10 AM). Indeed, it was packed when we arrived at that time, but they were definitely moving people through fast. We were able to get our standard apple cider donuts within 5 minutes of arrival.  Emmie also made sure to take a picture of Bri and Kiff on the tires.

Then, we bought bags and a hayride and went out to the fields. The man getting us lined up was a big Bruins fan (I had worn by Bruins hat) and had a cool Hawaiian shirt with his dog printed on it.

When we arrived at the fields, we were allowed into the back section of the orchard, which we had never been to before. It turns out they had just opened that part for pickers today, so we had the run of the apples. It was amazing and the view in the distance was incredible. We found out that gala apples were not available at the orchard this year - the bees did not pollinate them. However, we found a whole row of honeycrisp and it was amazing!!! We were able to get some of the best apples we ever got.

We took the hayride back to the beginning and picked up a few items in the store. Then, Bri drove us home. Overall, it was an awesome way to start fall.

The One With Open House Night

 

 

Tonight, Emmie and I came back from DHS Open House. It was the fourth Open House we had at DHS, which is always a fun night. As we have done in the past, we had to do a little divide and conquer - particularly where we had both kiddoes up there.

 Emmie took on Kiff's schedule while I went to Bri's...though we did overlap in band. Because Bri had a study, we were able to both go to Kiff's chemistry class - which had some cool experiments. And, Emmie came to Bri's "Hero" English class.

All and all it was fun. What was neat was - like years in the past - the National Honor Society seniors were there to help navigate.  This year, Bri got to be one of them and it was super cool. They were all wearing their blue class of 2025 shirts! Pretty keen.

It was a fun night and we saw lots of families, which makes it extra fun. However, it was slightly bittersweet, too. It marked the 13th - and final - open house we will be going to for Bri. It is so hard to believe!!!

The One Where Bri is a Senior

 

 

 

It happened today much to our surprise.

It happened slowly, but in front of our eyes.

Our little girl has come a long, long way.

She officially became a senior today!

 

It is hard to believe, but Bri's first day of her last year in the Danvers schools started today. As I am typing this, she just came in and is eating after a tiring first day where she spent a ton of time with friends. It is hard to believe that 13 years are starting to come to an end.

 It is amazing and scary at the same time. I can't wait to see what our amazing daughter becomes, though!