An Apple Orchard Tradition

Today we ventured to McClure’s apple orchard as an annual family tradition. Both of you, Ms. Bodhi and Mister Buddha, insisted on riding with GiGi and GiPa and Grandma, and poor Grandma had to squeeze in between two baby seats in the back seat of the car---but all were more than agreeable to the arrangement because the two of you are adored by all! Mommy and Daddy drove Mommy’s car and led our two car caravan north on U.S. 31 some miles north of Peru.

Upon our arrival, we browsed around the gift store appendage of the restaurant, and there was much to see and intrigue the interest of busy little hands insisting on touching huge stuffed animals and whimsical gifts. The appeal of most of the merchandise was mostly to Mommy, Grandma, and GiGi, though GiPa and Daddy took an interest in the winery products and tasting bar---though neither of us sampled any of the productsJ.

After examining everything in close detail in the gift shop, we were seated in the restaurant to enjoy a tasty, though notably expensive lunch. GiGi and GiPa insisted it was their treat as we treated everyone last year with Grandma’s share of the contribution as well. Mommy and Daddy split a plate of chicken and noodles and mashed potatoes and green beans with each of you, and Daddy additionally enjoyed a cup of homemade vegetable soup (which you shared, Buddha). For dessert Daddy and Mommy each had apple crisp, Mommy with vanilla ice cream, Daddy with cinnamon ice cream---yum!!! The food is truly delicious, if modestly portioned and expensively pricedJ. Thank you GiGi and GiPa!!!

After lunch we walked the hill up to the corral where you, Ms. Bodhi, were nothing short of a superstar on horseback! You climbed aboard without reservation and as you made your way around for your first lap the horse rather abruptly, and quite physically, shimmied and almost tossed you off the saddle. You remarkably kind man immediately, and attentively, came to your rescue and repositioned you and without much ado whatsoever you resumed your way along the “trail.” Indeed, on a subsequent lap the nice gentleman, who was so demonstrably apologetic for the horse’s behavior, which needless to say was beyond anyone’s control, asked if you wanted to be a trick rider and you agreeably rode the horse sitting backwards in the saddle! You are a hoot, young lady, and an accomplished horseback rider!

Jude Liam, you are no slacker either my precious son, you mounted Rocket and away you trotted, with your gorgeous blue eyes gleaming at your adoring audience, a couple of laps sufficed to demonstrate your prowess as a horseman, and as we knew would happen given the weather, you were cold such that you had enough!  You were so serious and all business sitting on top of Rocket J

We all then went in to the “barn” and fed goats, and donkeys, and played with rabbits, and thoroughly enjoyed being on the farm! Then we hopped the tractor pulled wagon for a cold (brrrrrrrr) ride around the orchard, and where you and your sister selected another pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to adorn our beautiful home, and then finally we made our way inside the farm store where we marveled at all the Christmas trees and season adornments. What a visually stimulating paradise for the two of you!!!

We enjoyed our family tradition and can’t wait for another visit next year!!!

The Riding Pro... you love your animals, just like your Momma!

Last year you were screaming, this year you couldn't wait to ride :)

So serious!

Indiana lost all of their apples this year from the early frost, all apples had to be shipped in :(  We also learned that the honey bees are dying off :(

Jude, you asked the orchard owner if he'd give you another apple ha/ha!

The "Holsapple Apples" :)