Apple Picking by Gerri Brousseau

Even though the day was overcast, damp and quite humid, last Sunday we took the Gorgeous Grand-Daughter out to do a little apple picking. She’s two now and quite independent, so it was no surprise to us that she wanted to have her own bag for apples. We brought along her wagon so we could pull her around the orchard, but she would have none of that. She insisted on walking and frankly, I was surprised that she allowed us to hold her hand. It was a long walk up the hill to get to the low trees that were the apples for baking pies and making apple sauce. She walked with her Memé (me) and we talked about picking the most delicious apples and making pies.

When we got to the top of the hill, naturally she wanted to pick up the apples from the ground, but we showed her how to pick them from the low tree branches. It was a struggle for her to pull them off, but with a little help, she did well. She actually carried her little bag with one apple in it until she decided it was time to snack on that apple. Knowing how much she loves apples, we came prepared with bottled water so we could wash the apple first. She happily munched while we continued to pick.

When we got back to the bottom of the hill she discovered a small area that had pumpkins. She was thrilled to wander around and tried to pick up a few, with no success. Finally she found a small one that weighed about one-pound, and she was able to pick that one up and carry it the short distance to her wagon. We found a small box of gourds that look like tiny pumpkins just the right size for her to hold, and so we got her one of those.

We had a fun day outside in the fresh air. We got her back in her car seat and with her tiny pumpkin in hand it was no time before she was sound asleep. It was a wonderful day and a fun family activity.

In a few weeks, we’ll be taking her out to the Pumpkin Patch to get the large pumpkins for outdoor decoration. She’ll have a good time there because they have a small petting zoo with pigs and sheep. The family is looking forward to that trip with great anticipation. Not only are we getting to enjoy the course of our normal autumn activities, but we get to enjoy it through a child’s eye. Now I’m off to bake some apple pies, but before I do let me ask you, what is your favorite fall activity? Happy Autumn everyone.

Filed under: romance