Apples Galore!

The boys have gone apple picking a number of times in the last few weeks....each time assuring us that they are indeed allowed to pick these apples that they are bringing home. The boys told us about this small apple orchard on their school grounds that is open to the public, but it just seemed odd to me that one could pick apples and not have to pay for them. So we asked around a bit and found out that yes, the apples are available to anyone wanting to take the time to pick them. We have enjoyed lots of applesauce and apple crisp from what they have picked so far. Since the boys are really putting away the food these days, we went today as a family (minus Micah as he is with friends at the movies) to pick more. And plan to go again Wednesday since the boys don't have school that day.

The orchard is located behind the school within a sheep pasture. When we arrived, one of the sheep was lounging by the fence and seemed to be interested in watching us. Later he decided that he didn't like Josiah and Noah being there so butted them in the rear and retreated to his pen!  He left us to pick in peace the rest of the time.

The boys climbed the trees and threw the apples down to Tracy and me. We took my bike basket and Tracy's backpack, filled them within a few minutes and could have filled them ten times over if we had wanted.  It was hard to stop ourselves!  So now to cut all these up and freeze them for the winter....I will be missing my apple peeler/corer for this task. That is one slick machine! I do have boys that enjoy helping with chores that involve knives so might not be doing this one alone! And what a blessing to have free apples so close to home. We'll be enjoying these all winter long!

Noah couldn't resist enjoying one on the spot.  In fact,
a couple of families came past with young children
wanting apples so we picked some for them to enjoy as well!

Safe in a tree!

Stretching for that "perfect apple" - he eventually got
it but almost fell out of the tree as a result!

We ended up putting some of these in Tracy's backpack as I was afraid of a
spill if I hit a bump on the way back home.  Plus, too much junk in the trunk
can tend to make me tipsy when riding!