Fall is in the air...

FINALLY!

And that means one thing...APPLE PICKING!

This is a tradition our family loves! Last year we missed our annual trip, but this year we escaped the intense HEAT and headed up to Tehachapi! The weather was perfect, as was the company. My mom and Hugh were in town, so Christy's crew joined us for a day of fall fun!

 

 

 

 

 

After the U-Pick orchard, we took a short walk to RB Orchards to have their fresh from the oven apple crisp and fresh apple cider. 

Played some follow the leader (shoeless).

Met new friends.

Posed for pictures with our cutest faces.

 

Took a little swing ride.

 

Enjoyed every minute with our cousins and family!

 

And we even took a nap on the way home!

 ***Edited to add...as I was going through links, I had to add this collage I made from the very first apple picking trip we took as a family with kiddos. Look how tiny Brogan and Aubrey were...not to mention our friend's kids. Aw, they grow up so fast!

 

Summer Wrap-up

FOURTH OF JULY

One of our favorite summer traditions is celebrating the 4th of July with our cousins at Papa CC's house. The anticipation builds as the holiday approaches. Brogan STUDIES the different fireworks and picks out the "perfect" display. We decorate, swim, BBQ, light fireworks, and even swim in the dark. Such a blast! (Haha, pun intended)

This expression, pretty much shows Juliet's opinion of the fireworks.
She wasn't so sure. Check out her 4th of July nails that daddy painted!

Notice Aubrey patting Juliet's back to reassure her. Also, notice Brogan's mesmerized expression. :)

Do you blame them for being scared when you have this clown smiling at you? Haha!

 BEACH TRIP

During Justin's last couple vacation days of the summer, we headed to the beach. We stayed at the Oxford Suites. If you go to the central coast often, you should check them out. We've stayed there a few times before, and I think they're a great place to stay with kids. The morning after we got there, we rode our bikes on the Bob Jones bike trail. Another must-do if you're headed to the central coast. There are trees, play areas along the way, bridges, and you end up at the beach. Aubrey made it a little over a mile before we had to strap her bike on the bike cart. Oh, while I'm recommending things, if you are looking for a GREAT bike cart/jogger, I highly recommend the Schwinn Joyrider (the bike cart, not the stroller...not sure why they have two products named the same thing). We've had ours for 4 years and it is still one of my favorite purchases!

Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at Avila Valley Barn.

 But, the highlight of a trip to the beach, is always, well...the beach!

My girls LOVE the sand, not a trait they got from me. :)

 They loved our vacation!

WATER FUN WITH FAMILY

Of course, no summer is complete without some slip-n-slide action.

 Followed by a bubble bath with our cousin! We love this big tub at Grandpa and Grandma's house so we can throw them all in together.

 And, finally, we finished it all up with jammies and snuggle time with great grandma Jean.

BUTTERFLIES

Aubrey's Auntie Christy took her to Insect Lore this summer and bought her another butterfly kit. She carefully studied the caterpillars, chrysalises (not sure what the plural is), and, finally, the butterflies!

 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Nothing says "summer wrap-up" like the first day of school. We're getting back into the routine around here. Both girls LOVE school, but Juliet needs a little convincing to get there in the mornings.

 

Whew, blog drought over! :)