Thus Far: Apple Harvest

The girls and I just returned from 5 days in California visiting my parents' apple orchard. This is a wonderful time of year to be there since harvest is in full swing! Clara had a blast!

A tea party with Grandma B was her first request upon arrival! They got out the tea set and Grandma B even had banana bread to compliment the mint tea.

Grandma B tried to get Maggie to partake which wasn't hard since she will mouth anything that comes within arms length!

Clara loves to help in the kitchen.

Picking red delicious apples and riding around in the Jeep with Grandpa.

We were blessed with beautiful and warm weather while we were there. The mornings were just gorgeous, with the wind picking up in the afternoons. We spent Sunday morning walking around the orchard with Lindsay, Andrew and Aly. It was so fun to watch Clara and see her comfort and ease at being there and how she has really learned so much about what goes on there.

Clara has become quite the runner lately, boots and all! = )

Walking and talking with Auntie Aly

Picking Red Rome apples

Such a happy girl!

Auntie Aly and Mike brought a huge pumpkin that Mike had grown at Avila Barn.

Cruising in the "water wagon" (Dad's Jeep towing a trailer with a water sprayer) to keep the dust down. She was definitely Grandpa's special helper all weekend long!

Aly, Andrew and I had some great laughs as Lindsay snapped these pictures. I loved getting to spend time with them, just hanging out, catching up and enjoying some laughter.

This picture seemed to capture the joy of our trip. The past couple times we have visited Clara has become more and more comfortable with her surroundings there and really anticipates different activities. She knows the little play structure will be set up in front of the house, knows she and Tio will go collect eggs, knows she will pick apples and go for walks with Grandma B, knows she will drive around with Grandpa, and that we will visit Bear Valley pool for a swim with Grandma B. It is such a blessing to have certain traditions and routines that she knows she will be a part of and to have family that loves her enough to take the time to share and teach about what they love!