It is an official family tradition. I went as a child and now I bring my child. It is Apple Day at Terhune orchard and it is full of fall family fun. This year did not disappoint. We arrived and parked the car in a field. It was already packed with families and children and strollers. We were no exception. Next year it will be a double stroller for us! And won’t that be exciting.
Brenton decided he would rather push the stroller than sit in it and that was just fine with me. I helped him steer on the gravel road toward the land of geese and sheep. He was not enthused with the sheep. He took one step toward one and it stood up and ran off and so he took 5 steps backward. We asked if he liked the sheep and he took another step back. Next was the chickens. He enjoyed watching them for about 3 seconds and then he was moving on and pushing his stroller with authority. This was his endeavor and he would not be distracted from the mission.
The only thing I could think to distract this little stroller monster was food and honestly I was pretty hungry as well. Growing a human is no small task you know. We cautiously approached the food tent. This was the scene of last year’s discontent. Brenton clearly had no memory of last year when he was stung by a bee for the first time. It was right here where we were standing. This year was far cooler and there were very few bees. I was on high alert nonetheless and told Rolston to take him and roam around while I got the food. This year we had no bee stings. This year was pure fun!
Some pork sandwiches, fries, mac and cheese and watermelon were on the menu for the day. We sat in the sun and munched. Brenton ate two pieces of the watermelon and all his mac and cheese. He was sated and so was I. Then good news arrived as Monica and her family showed up unexpectedly. We were off to pick some apples together.
Watching children decide which apples to pick is pretty darn cute. Brenton was more confused than anything at first, but I selected a couple and he plucked them from the trees. He ran along zig zagging through the orchard while I feverishly took photo after photo trying to catch the perfect one. I think I succeeded when he decided to hide in one of the apple trees although there are several from the day that really capture the joy of it all.
Next we were off to the great big john deer tractor. He sat on it all by himself this year. He played in the playhouse and on the big wooden wagon play set complete with a slide. He was fearless and excited. He ran and jumped and smiled and laughed. It was a child’s paradise.
Then it was time for a pony ride. I was concerned after the reaction to the sheep, but now he was fed and happy. Rolston put him on the horse and it happened. A huge smile spread across his face. He was loving this. He squealed with glee a few times and as his father walked with him around the path he looked back at me a few times and smiled. He was thrilled with this new adventure and so was I.
After the pony ride and all the excitement, it was clear that Brenton was exhausted and becoming cranky. We said our goodbyes to the Williams family, bought our cider donuts and two candy apples, and made our way to the car. We packed up, almost hit the fence pulling out of our parking spot and Brenton fell asleep in the car on the way home. It was the perfect Apple Day!
