The Apple Orchard

After the pool party ended, we decided to continue making the most of the afternoon so we headed out to Erie Apple Orchard and Cider Mill, another longstanding family tradition. Typically the outings took place in October so that Andrew and I could pick pumpkins, but there is a certain crispness in the air in Michigan already, signifying that fall is just around the corner, so off we went in search of fresh-pressed apple cider and cinnamon-sugar cider donuts.

 Arriving at the country store in the wagon.

 Look at that pouty lip! Poor little Ellis must have thought for a brief moment that he might not get a donut. (Apparently we were not getting it to him fast enough.)

 Blanden very clearly asked if he could have two donuts.* Because it was a special occasion, I said sure, knowing he wouldn't really eat that many; it's the rare occasion that he would finish the first. After he finished the first, he politely asked for the second, took two bites, and then proclaimed he was full. Sometimes it's just knowing that you were allowed to have two that means the most. :-) 

 Ellis took about three bites of his and then proceeded to smash it up in his fingers, drop it over the side of the wagon, and lean out to watch it land.

 After snacks, we headed down the little lane to see some farm animals and play on some equipment. Blanden had fun with this truck.  

 And, of course, whatever Big Brother does, Little Brother makes very clear that he wants to do it too.

 Here they are driving a handmade wooden truck,

 And a traditional tractor.

 Blanden got to feed some farm animals, including a deer, whom Blanden told, "Animal, Ellis dropped a lot of crumbs of his donut over by that picnic table. Can you go clean it up?" ...

 and goats.

 Ellis enjoyed time on a baby swing,

 While Blanden enjoyed playing with this bulldozer -- or, as he saw it, a garbage truck. He stopped every few feet to pick up and/or empty cups and napkins (extras Grammy had brought along for the snack) from the front.

 And, again, whatever Big Brother does, Little Brother wants to try too...

And this was Blanden's "school." After the orchard, we came home, had pizza for dinner, and -- what else? -- Blanden and Papa went swimming one last time before bed.

*Blanden told Papa at the orchard, "Donuts are not healthy, Papa. They are junk food. We only eat them sometimes but we can eat healthy food all the time." For the record, Blanden and Ellis like fresh fruit more than they like sweet treats. Grammy has kept them well-supplied with fresh fruit to counterbalance Papa's treats. Since we arrived, they've enjoyed raspberries and strawberries, green grapes and red grapes, peaches and cherries, pineapple and bananas, and watermelon. But, as Blanden pointed out in the car on the way home as we recounted all of this, "not blackberries. I like blackberries too." Knowing Grammy, she may run out and buy some tomorrow.