A is for Apple

On the first Saturday in October for the past three years, we've gone to the Amana Colonies for their annual Oktoberfest.  So when last weekend rolled around, I was a little sad at the fact that we aren't there for it anymore.  So what did we do instead?  We went to an apple orchard about an hour away.  Now Ethan and I have been to an orchard before but not one you could actually pick your own so we were pretty excited.  (The one back home had some weird rule about picking your own only if you get 20 lbs.)  To our disappointment upon our arrival, they didn't have any Honey Crisp apples - either because we came too late in the season or they didn't any this year I'm not sure.  So we ended up having to settle for the Fujis.  Note to self: come earlier next year!

Apparently being the rookie that I am, I didn't realize there is a whole process with this apple picking thing.  First off, you have to drive to the right area or else you'll be walking forever since they weren't labeled all that well.  Once you're in the orchard, the rotten apples scent hits you immediately as you are swarmed by the gnats.  Lovely.  We just got here and Ethan is already wandered off.  I think it took too long and he's already bored at this point.  I don't know about this.  Then Ethan came back with some apples...from the ground.  So we had to explain about only picking the good ones that are on the trees.  He disappeared again and came back with two that were perfect.  I guess he's getting the idea.  Anyway, we picked about a dozen apples and headed back to the barn.  Ethan and Brian picked out two pumpkins - a big one to "attempt" to carve as a family and a little one for Ethan's room, some bread and cider.  We ate a quick lunch before heading home.  What a beautiful day for a drive and to see the leaves changing colors.  It was fun, but I might leave this to be a boys' thing next year.

 

Trying my hand at picking (with Gavin's help)

Are these good?

 

 

One for the road!