Don't Let the Hairbows Fool You

 A few weeks ago I read Abby a bedtime story about an apple tree. Thus was born in Abby the idea of finding an apple tree, picking some apples, and baking an apple pie. She talked about it for weeks.

I researched and found a local apple orchard and invited a few friends to come along. I just HAPPENED to have these matching smocked apple pants sets that I knew would be a great photo op. Really, I know you don't believe me, but it was not planned!

I had to bribe Abby to wear her apple outfit. (They each had a change of clothes underneath.)

I love these pictures of Abby. That girl just never stops moving!

Occasionally she will give me a good, still, picture shot!

It turned out to be a cloudy, somewhat cool day, but it was perfect. It is so nice not to feel miserably hot wherever we go.

The girls loved making new friends. (It's funny to watch little ones interact! I wonder what they are saying to each other? ha!)

It is funny watching my girls, in their matching outfits and hairbows, run around in the dirt.

Don't let the hairbows fool you. They love getting dirty and playing hard.

Their outfits were filthy by the time we were finished apple picking. But it was worth it =)

 

Audrey Kate would put one apple in and take one apple out each time. I don't think she ever had more than 2 apples in her basket.

Abby took great care to find apples that were free of blemishes and bumps.  She was concentrating pretty hard!

The best part of all? Eating them!

Audrey Kate ate her apple down to the nub. I am pretty sure she also dropped and picked it up several times and continued eating it. There's not much to be said for a toddler's taste.

Lately, the girls have been having fun telling each other nonsensical "secrets." 

Ooooh Abby! I can NOT believe you said that girl friend!

After picking apples (and changing clothes!) we had lunch with friends at a nearby park. Such a nice day!

Later at home, my lovely baking assistant and I created a Rustic Apple Tart, requested by Joe.

Uncle John and Aunt Ashley visited for the weekend, so I considered it a perfect time for some baking to be shared and enjoyed by all.

I declared it "apple weekend" at our house. (Though I decided to draw the line at grilled apple hamburgers for lunch!)

We ate dinner out with John and Ashley--and the girls couldn't resist climbing into Uncle John's lap.

After dinner, and after only 20 minutes of baking (Ha! It was more like an hour), the apple tart was ready to be eaten.  Along with some ice cream, of course.

Since I was already making a huge baking mess that day, I also put together a recipe I found for Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls which we enjoyed at breakfast the next morning.

Are you all having apple envy??

I'm just happy that Autumn is approaching with its promises of trips to the Pumpkin Patch and hay rides and football games and the sound of leaves crunching underneath my feet.

I am always thrilled at the change of season and what is upcoming.

What do you love about Fall?