Apple Delight

Yesterday we visited an apple orchard in Northern Virginia with some friends from Jordan. When we arrived, we were given a map of the orchard. The map showed where each 0f the 15 varieties were located. We set out to find the green Granny Smith apples to use for baking. However, we didn't go far before the kids starting filling their bags with apples from the first trees they came across.

Like trick-or-treating, we went from one tree to another filling up our bags with goodies at each stop. The bags soon became to heavy for the kids. So, once Shelley and I found ourselves carrying all the bags, we decided to call it quits and head back to the cashier to pay for the apples. We ended up spending close to $35 dollars on apples (at $1.50/lb). The price wasn't a bargain, but given that we did not pay an admission fee, we felt it was worth the money to enjoy the great scenery and entertainment for our kids.

As expected, Shelley could not miss an opportunity to take a family picture. Surprisingly, all the kids were cooperative. Perhaps it was because they had each eaten about five apples.

Yesterday's activity was one of those experiences that makes us appreciate being back in the U.S. It was neat to be surrounded by fall colors, pumpkins, and an organized, well-kept orchard. We can now cross this activity off our list of uniquely American experiences we are trying to give our children before we return overseas.