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 Where We Went Apple Picking

Last Sunday,  we went apple picking at Russell's farm. It was our annual pilgrimage there and as always, it was a blast. We made sure to arrive early to beat the crowd and it worked.

We were able to take the hayride out and grab a bag filled with three different types of apples - Jangagold, Gala, and Cortland. Yum.

And of course, we got our apple cider donuts, too....double yum....but we were smart this time and got them before we started picking apples.

All in all, a great time! And great apples!

The One With the Trip to Vermont, Not

Yesterday, we were going to make a pilgrimage to Vermont to see the leaves.

However, Emmie has a cold and that did not go as expected. So, we de a tour de force of central and eastern Massachusetts.

1. We went out to the border of Vermont and picked apples. It was a beautiful, crisp day with the scent of fall hanging in the air. We got a peck of empires, snagged two pumpkins, and ate a cider donut as we went on a surprise venture in the late morning.

2. Then, we wound our way to a Johnny Rockets, which I did not realize still existed. What a blast, especially for the kids. They played music in the juke box, including "Monster Mash," Johnny B. Goode," "Rockin' Robin."

3. After, we worked our way through Lexington, going through the center and by the Orchard House. Because Bri learns about the Revolutionary War, we went to Minuteman National Park to watch the Road to Revolution video. The kids filled out booklets and became junior rangers.

4. We wrapped up by going through Salem - never a great prospect in October. It was wild....but we showed Chiff where Leslie's Retreat, an event from the Revolutionary Times, occured.

All and all a wonderful - unexpected - day.