September is for Apples

We had the opportunity to go apple picking with some friends at a near by orchard. It was a great day. They hiked up past the labeled trees and found a wonderful secret spot up in the orchard. The trees were covered with delicious apples waiting to be picked. We got several baskets full (and by we I mean they, I think Haley and I only actually picked 2) of the best tasting apples I have ever had. My only regret is that we never found out what kind they were. I guess we'll just have to go back to our secret spot again next year.

Erin is the toughest girl I know. Made even more impressive by the fact that she's a month away from having her second baby. She threw my girl on her shoulders and hiked up a huge hill. I lagged behind huffing and puffing with my boy and my wagon.

Greetings from a friend. They could have done this for hours.

Haley's Eve moment

I love her boots!

Picnic; Made complete by apple doughnuts and apple cider slushies. 

SO, what did I do with a basket full of apples? We ate several just as they are, and then I made some apple sauce. I felt very domestic steaming the apples and pureeing them into apple sauce for Haley and into one of Liam's first foods. And then when I was making the third batch, and waiting for them to be ready, I paused to play with Liam. That's when the smoke detectors started going off. Apparently if you let them steam too long all the sugar drains to the bottom of the pan and caramelizes and then turns into charred blackness that sticks to your favorite pot (that they no longer sell at Wal-Mart :( or Target or anywhere) Then I felt a little less like a domestic goddess. But luckily there was enough for Haley to have some delicious apple sauce the next 2 days. Her asking for more helped renew my confidence and once I find a replacement pot I will be back in the kitchen tackling my next baby food making adventure. Pumpkin anyone?