Apple-picking again

Monday October 10

We all had done the apple-picking in October 2020. Back then it had been a great experience but in not so nice weather. When Helen knew they were able to come for Papa's birthday she asked her sister whether she could make arrangements for apple-picking again. And Sarah did. She had taken the day off from work and picked her children up from school early. Too bad the cousins never share spring break or fall break at the same time.

We had to go with two cars because we were 9 but met at a park n' ride and swopped around for fun. This day was so different from the last time. Look at that blue sky!

The previous time Sarah had brought handmade apple pickers but Carter Mountain Orchard doesn't allow that so Sarah had actually bought a "legal" one. We all were of one opinion: Sarah's homemade ones were so much better.

First we went down the hill to the Granny Smith apples. The children were so eager. Sigh. We didn't really need that many of that kind. Ha-ha.

Then we went to the sweet eating kind of apples.

With that many people you are way too quickly done with the picking of the amount you have paid for. When you enter you buy the container(s) of your choice.

But the fun is not over. We walked down and put the apples into the car. 

Then we found one of the picnic benches and dear Papa bought apple cider donuts. They disappeared so fast that we had to jump to save the last one for Papa who had gone again to also buy a gallon of cider too. Donuts do make you thirsty, ha-ha. 

Auntie took a photo of William in this cut-out. I must see he is more of a bookworm than an apple worm.

It is quite a drive there and back but each time we had such a great day. 

Omi could not resist to take this photo when she had to visit the lady's room. 

Thank you, Helen, for wishing for it, and thank you, Sarah, for arranging it. I am sure the boys will remember this for years to come.

Visitors from Nashville - part 1

Oh what a week we had. It is always grand to have family gatherings. Helen and William were on the road to us Saturday October 10. Helen had to drive the whole 600 miles in rain but they arrived safely in good time. 

I think William was a bit disappointed that his cousins were not already at our house but on Sunday they came before lunch. Sorry, hugging was going on. Social distancing not possible. They had such a good time.

The rain had stopped and Papa decided that the boys needed a walk. The rain seemed to have stopped, at least for a while. We actually had a very good walk. 

And this pergola is always a good backdrop for a group photo. You have no idea how many I clicked to be able to select a good one, ha-ha.

When we passed Miss Julie's house I gave her a call whether she wanted us to say hello? She and the boys enjoyed that. 

Our girls took the boys to Sarah's house. The twins needed their nap and the older ones helped prepare dinner. Helen had "children's recipes", had shared with Sarah and one was selected for dinner. 

Mummy Enchiladas.

They were delicious and the older boys had fun making them.

The boys were also excited because William was invited to spend the night.

Next day Monday Sarah did not have to go to work. So when she (and William) had brought the others to school and daycare she and William went for a bike ride. Because of the rain we had not left William's bike but it only drizzled some and he could ride Caleb's. 

We had to get hime soon though because there were more plans for the day. It was not easy this week to get organized. Between Sarah's work, Helen's online classes, William's virtual school, Caleb's online school and the twins day care ... Good thing James and I are retired.

At least William was off because it was Columbus Day. But after all school etc we met (two cars) at a park+ride where Helen and William changed cars. The sisters and cousins need the most together-time.

Sarah had arranged for us to visit Carter Mountain Orchard for apple picking. Gosh, she had thought of everything. I think this was the third year for her homemade apple picking sticks, her genius contraption. She also had rubber boots for Helen and William. Everybody is ready.

Weatherwise it was not the best day but the only one we could do it. Fog on the mountain (in Charlottesville) but the boys didn't mind.

If there is a rock, the boys have to climb on it. And jump off of course.

Ah, Mommy.

It was muddy and slippery. But everybody had a lot of fun.

And everybody had to eat at least one of the apples ... including Papa. There were several different kinds of apples, all delicious and so different.

Done with this bushel. Papa and I are bringing it to the car.

The others are going into another section because they wanted the granny smiths. Sarah knew that it would be way too steep for us (and our knees). They are in there somewhere!

When they were back, the boys ran up and down this hill

We had to have the famous apple cider donuts and hot apple cider before we left. And make sure we went to the toilets for the two hour drive home.

Again, Sarah was prepared. She had a basket for the muddy shoes/boots.

We decided to all go to our house. Dad and I in the second car picked up the Chinese take-out ordered from the first car. When we arrived at our house the boys were all in the shower. Ha, after that they even decided that they all liked the Chinese food. You never know. It was a great day!

Tuesday the cousins could not meet. Between work, teaching and school it was just too difficult to arrange. And we had big plans for the next day. Stay tuned.