A Full Day of Fall Fun

Last Saturday, we headed out in the morning for a little apple picking. We missed this fun activity last year but had a great time two years ago. We hit it a little late in the season this year and the orchard we went to last time was done for this year, so we tried somewhere new. It was a great place called Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow MA. It was a pretty chili morning so we bundled up and started our adventures with picking apples. After sampling a couple of the available varieties we decided on empire. Now I am not a fan of apples. I find myself disappointed more often than not when I bite into an apple only to find that it does not meet my crispness standards. Picking them right off the tree makes all the difference though, I have yet to be disappointed with this batch. They're crisp, juicy, sweet and have a touch of tartness. Apple perfection. We very quickly filled our large bag which was to hold about 20 lbs but we managed to squeeze about 30 lbs in there. The best part about this orchard is that they let you use their ladders. The kids LOVED this. They took turns heading up the ladder with Dad right behind them for a little security. Abby of course showed no fear and would go as far up as that ladder would allow.

After filling our bag we returned to the van to safely stow our sac of yumminess and headed out for a hayride surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. Our day did not end there. We said hello to Henrietta the bear and headed to the little store for hot dogs, apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. We then took a few minutes to pose with some pumpkins, and check out a few animals. Then we were off on our journey home, with a quick stop at a roadside market selling pumpkins for only $.40/lb.

Upon our return home we got a few things ready for a little party. Aiden was so excited as he was having his first play date with a friend from school. Aiden's friend arrived followed by some new friends who live only about 5 minutes from us, so exciting to have a great little family so close by! The kids feasted on chicken nuggets while us adults had some homemade wonton soup and sushi. Then we moved on to some pumpkin carving and caramel apple making. It was such a fun day! The kids were great, even Ben who was running on minimal nap time.

All bundled up, but by the end of the day it was so nice that even the coats came off.
Taking turns climbing the ladder.
Abby, as high as she could go and reaching as far as she could reach.
John being the macho man he is:)
Aiden eventually resorted to just climbing the tree.
Time for a little hayride (Ben Sucked on that apple pretty much the whole ride).
Hello to Henrietta the bear.
Picture time with pumpkins.
Checking out the goats.
Holding their chosen pumpkins all the way home, they look miserable but they're really just zoned in to a movie.