Apple Picking

Donald and I took Abby and Emily to Blue Ridge last weekend to pick apples. We took Emily last year and had so much fun that we decided to make it a yearly tradition. Despite the long ride up, the girls had a good time eating apple fritters, taking a wagon ride, and picking lots of different types of apples. Check out Merciers Orchards at www.mercier-orchard.com for more information. They actually grow lots of things - apricots, peaches, strawberries - and you can bring your family to pick any of it. Good humor was fading by the end of the day but we made it home with no casualties- thank goodness for mobile DVD players! Now I've just got to figure out what to do with all of these apples...

And we're off! They like to sit in the "way back" of the car when we go on trips.
A little photo op before getting started

The girls were crazy for these coon skin caps.

We said no to the toy rifles but eventually gave in to the caps.

Huge candy apple - yum!

Abby opted for the marshmallow pop instead of the candy apple.

We opted for the dinner plate-sized apple fritter

Remnants of candy apple

Beautiful views!

Taking the wagon out to the orchard

Abby perfected the "twist and pull" method

This apple was almost as big as her head!

Stopping for a snack

A little help from Dad is always nice

Gorgeous!

Happy Fifth Birthday!

Can you believe it? Our little girl turned five years old this week. It seems like only yesterday that I was holding her in one hand wrapped up like a little pink burrito and a hot Krystal hamburger in the other. Thanks, Auntie Yam, for preserving that moment on film! Her fifth birthday party was quite the event. She wanted a rock star party with all of her friends, so we opted to rent a ginormous Hannah Montana jumper and cotton candy machine to enjoy with her new friends from school. On her actual birthday night, our family joined us for Chinese food (her choice) and ice cream at Bruster's later. She woke up on Wednesday morning and told us that she was surprised not to feel any different now that she is five. Such a funny girl!

Getting in some jump time with Abby and friends

Don't you just love Hannah Montana? Are you catching my sarcasm? Cause I'm laying it on pretty thick.

Al tatted up after the party. We had to remove three of them before school on Monday because you know that rule...you can only wear one temporary tattoo to school. That IS a rule, right?

Totally crashed out in the car after the party

Helping Mommy make cupcakes for her friends at school. She looks a little sugar-crazed.

Such a good helper!

First birthday gift of the day. The cats were very intrigued by the netting.

Don't worry - it has an earphone jack!

This guitar and its tiny amp are possibly the cutest things I've ever seen. Next to her, of course.

I love this picture!

A little extra rocking out before we headed off to school.

What a lucky girl - she got to visit the library on her birthday! Love the birthday crown!

Sharing her new toy at Chin Chin

Abby is an excellent helper.

Meet Mr. Disco Cuddle Snuggles - He came all the way from Vermont and even spent the night in the airport!

Donald got this great picture of Emily blowing out the candle on her "cake". I love it! Hope all of her wishes came true!