I Love Fall!

I had Columbus day off, so we met up with my mom to go apple picking. I had looked at several orchards online to find one that was close and had a few extras. We went to Apple Ridge Farms, 5 minutes from our house and with enough activities to keep a 17 month old busy, but not overwhelmed. The weather was overcast and a bit cool, but perfect for picking. Alex was in awe of the 3 humongous pumpkins by the entrance. He just kept looking them over and patting them, I think to be sure they really were that big. The orchard has a petting zoo and Alex really liked the turkeys. He kept reaching through the fence to touch them. I was afraid they would try to eat his fingers, but he'd pull his hand away as soon as they got too close for comfort. He wasn't really interested in the rabbits but did enjoy mooing at the cow, until she mooed at him. He ran back to the stroller crying, crawled in and refused to get back out. Her baby came out to visit and peed right in front of him. He was most impressed and kept looking at the calf and then back at me, like it was the coolest thing he'd ever seen! We went over to the sheep next and they were very excited to have someone visit them. I think the goats get most of the attention. Alex still refused to get out of the stroller, but he did pet, well, poke them in the nose. After we picked apples he got up enough courage to get out of the stroller to feed hay to the sheep.

If the sheep were happy to see us, the goats were out of their minds ecstatic to have visitors. They kept putting their heads through the fence and climbing all over each other just begging to be pet. They were adorable. Who could say no to that face?!

The girls at the farm stand had warned us that the portion of the orchard near the animals had been pretty well picked over and we might have to trek out to find apples. They must have been referring to people taller than Alex and shorter than us, because we found plenty right there. Alex liked picking the apples and loved to throw them in the bag, and I do mean throw. He tried several times to pull one apple off the tree and decided it wasn't worth it, the ones on the ground were just as good. After he threw them in the bag, I would check them over to make sure they were OK, only 3 or 4 had worm holes in them. He loved banging the apples together and spraying Daddy. Those did not come home with us! We had a great time at the orchard, on the weekends they have hayrides too, so we may have to go back this weekend. The price is right too, we only paid $5 for it all! I love fall!