Orchard Field Trip

We took another fun field trip a week ago, to a local orchard.  We had no idea we even had one so close!
As soon as we got out of the car the kids were drawn to the huge tree at the edge of the property.  It was just calling them to come and climb...

After meeting the owner of the orchard and hearing about his trees, the kids were each handed buckets and headed out to pick.

We started with the muscadine grapes.  Unfortunately they all have seeds and the kids were sad they couldn't eat what they were picking.

Next, we picked apples.  They had both granny smith and a red variety.

Sadly, there were not many left on the trees. We had such a hot dry summer that the trees were under a lot of stress.  When distressed they naturally drop all of their apples to survive.

The trees were much shorter than we expected which made it easy for the kids to reach.

Here's the gang sorting their crop and tasting a few.  They were encouraged to taste as they picked. Yum! Nothing like a fresh crisp apple right off the tree.

And we filled a grocery bag for only $3, even better. The kids have enjoyed eating them whole.

But Mommy loves some apple pie! One of my favorite treats and even better with fresh-picked local apples.

Fall's just around the corner and we are all looking forward to it.