Apple Jack's Orchard 2010

There are certain things that a person must do in the fall in Minnesota, and one of those is to visit an apple orchard.  The last time we went was in September of 2008, when Miley was about 3 months old, so we were excited to go today, now that she is older and can enjoy the things that they have there more.  It was a perfect fall day...a little chilly outside, but sunny with temperatures in the 50's...I love our seasons around here! 

Warning:  TONS of pictures ahead...I couldn't narrow it down, because I loved them all!  :)

When we got there, Miley immediately ran to all of the little activities and things that they had set up for kids.  She jumped into this little fake truck and was driving away while we were waiting for out friends, the Ferrins, to meet up with us.

But the truck could hardly compare to her excitement when her best buddy Jack showed up.  We loaded the kids into a wagon, and went across the street to look at the orchards, and to let the kids ride the cow train.  While we were waiting our turn for the train, we actually got Jack and Miley to pose in one of those baords with the faces cut out...I am glad they cooperated.  It was just their size, and they were hamming it up.

Then it was their turn for the cow train, and to say they loved it may have just been the understatement of the month.  It is so nice that Miley is now at an age where she can do these things on her own, and actually enjoys them!

Getting started!!

Going around the first corner...Jack in is the fourth car, and Miley is in the eighth, looking back.

Next we went into the orchards to see what we could get our hands on.  Unfortunately, due to a frost when the trees were blossoming, there were slim pickin's this year...but that didn't stop Miley and Jack from picking apples and digging right in!

Then a couple family pictures with the pretty background...

After we saw how the kids were attacking their apples, we figured it would be a good time to take a break and eat some lunch.  The boys got the famous cider brats, Cecia got a sloppy joe (Sloppy Jack), and I got some chicken and wild rice soup.  The kids munched on cheese, crackers, and apple slices.

Then we moved on to some more photo ops....

But then it was time to just PLAY!

First on the hay bale slides...

...then onto a little maze...

...then onto see the goats and chickens.

And then of course, some more family pictures...although this time Miley wanted nothing to do with it and was trying to get to the slides instead...the Ferrins look cute though!  :)

By this time it was way past naptime for the little guys, and so we figured we better head home.  But not without one more ride on the cow train first...

It's a good thing we left when we did, because this happened shortly after driving away...

It was such a fun way to spend part of our Saturday...I feel like I could have spent the whole day there!  Thanks, Ferrins, for joining us and enjoying some of this nice weather we have left before the winter hits!