Feels like fall

Last Friday, September 12, Henry, William and I headed to Rockford to meet Sara, Gabe, Caleb and my Mom for some festive fall apple picking. Unfortunately it was a super rainy day. The forecast called for rain in the morning and it was supposed to let up in the afternoon. It actually didn't rain much in the morning and then ended up starting to rain just as we were heading to the orchard in the afternoon.

We hoped the rain would stop so we optimistically went to get cider and donuts in the apple barn first. The boys loved the donuts, which were still warm when we got them. Henry, who still gets diluted juice, was especially fond of the super sweet apple cider. William loved sneaking tastes of the donuts along with some of Oma's apple pie.

Sara, Caleb, Gabe, Henry and WilliamI love that Gabe ate his donut with a fork. When he was done he offered it to Henry who was confused about why he would need a fork for his donut!

The rain hadn't stopped when we finished our food in the apple barn, so we decided to look around at the store inside for a little bit. We also got to see a forklift driving palettes of apples into the barn to be washed. Henry was fascinated so we stood there for awhile watching that. Finally after some pleading from the boys to pick our own apples we decided to bundle up and go for it. We drove our vans out to the orchard and let the big boys pick while Caleb and William sat in the stroller and watched.

GabeI couldn't resist a little sentimentality- this is Gabe in 2006, the first time we took the boys to the orchard together.HenryHenry in 2006 at the orchard
William and Caleb
They were so patient and sweetly munched on crackers while they watched their brothers pick apples. I just noticed that William is wearing the same sweatshirt that Henry was wearing on his first apple orchard outing.

William, Caleb and OmaHenry and me

(This picture is from Sara's post; she has lots of good pictures here.)
Gabe and Henry hugging - they were so sweet!Gabe and Henry in 2006Caleb, Gabe and Henry
(another hug!)

We had such a great afternoon together and we were able to spend some more time together on Friday night and Saturday. It was worth getting a little bit wet-the boys picked some yummy apples and we have some great memories from that day.