Apple Orchard

I joined Megan's class on a field trip to the apple orchard. Do you see apples on these trees? 
 

 

Just a few here and there.  Due to freeze after the trees had blossomed and a hale storm they said that 1 out of every 10 apples is good.  Wow!  All of the good apples have been picked and the damaged ones left on the trees will be used for cider.  

This is first time I have been to this orchard and the views were beautiful. 

We were able to tour the kitchen.  The ladies were making apple and blueberry pies.  Sold by the slice or frozen to take home.

That is a lot of pie dough to roll out!

Did say that I enjoyed the scenery?!

There was a small area with animals that was a hugh hit. 

Although I was disappointed in this trip as we were not able to pick apples (and for a few other reason I won't go into) I had a special moment with Megan that made it all worth it.  I took her to the store to buy her a apple cider slush.  We went out and sat on a bench so she could drink it and she said isn't this nice and quiet.  She then went on to say that we don't get this very often.  I hope stores that memory of a little bit of peace and quiet quiet shared together because I know I sure will! It reaffirmed to me again that it is the simple things that matter most. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Teacher Gift: Pencil Snack Holder

The first week of school is ending and that means it is time for a teacher gift.  The first week has been fantastic!  Megan still loves going and is giving her teacher rave reviews.  They are doing fun things like subtraction and addition problems while sitting on top of their desk.  Sounds like Mrs. Teacher is going to make learning fun!

I found the idea for this here.   I used what I had on hand to make this.

I didn't have any gray paper so I used aluminum foil to create the metal ring and I opted not to put on the lettering since I didn't have any on hand.  I attached a note that says:

I hope your first full week was sweet.  Here are some treats to sneak when the afternoon is not so neat!

You can go here and see what I made last year.  I am up way past my bedtime so I must run.  Have a great weekend!

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Pumpkins & Cupcakes

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable weekend. Things were jumping around here this weekend. Literally!

Friday started out with a fundraising Jump A Thon at school. Then there was an orange party in the classroom. Dinner with the in-laws and a trip to the hardware store. Another section of fence was almost completed.


The swoop needs to be cut and then this section will be done. Yes!

Megan asked for a large pumpkin this year.


She was delighted with this and anxious to get busy.


After all of the yuck and muck was removed it was carving time.


Megan drew both of the faces and Chuck helped her to cut them. I think they turned out great.

I saw a cupcake that looked like candy corn on Pinterest and knew I wanted to try them.


This is the first time Megan has used the mixer by herself. She did really well, but I am waiting for the splatter. I don't think you get the don't pull the beaters out of the batter statement until you do it and make a splatter mess. One of those lessons that you have to learn the hard way.


I didn't get the color separation I was looking for because I forgot to drop the pan on the counter to settle the yellow before I put on the orange batter. Oops! Oh, well I think they are still cute.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Pumpkin Patch

On Friday we went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. It was quite a trip from from where we live. At first I wasn't happy that a kindergarten class was going on such a long trip. Once we arrived I knew it was worth the drive.

We drove down a gravel road through the tree nursery. Once we reached the truck loaded with pumpkins we were finally there.

I just love this truck! Oh, the stories it could tell.

Mama, Daddy, you have to come see the ducks.


The ducks were cute, but the view is what caught my eye.


I felt such peace as I looked over the pond.

Next it was time to hit the pumpkin patch. We loaded onto the hay wagon and off we went.


I love this picture! It captures the fun and joy of the day.

The pumpkins are grown among the Christmas trees. Talk about making every space count.


I like the pumpkin growing in the trees.


It reminded me of an ornament.


I found it! The prefect one.

There were so many things to see and do.





There was a nip in the air and then it started to sprinkle so we wrapped it up and headed home. I am grateful that Chuck was able to take the day off and join us. A fun, fun trip!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

An Apple A Day...

Last week I went on the first field trip of the school year... the apple orchard! There was a nip in the air and it certainly felt like fall.


Everyone was given a bag and off to pick apples we went.

After picking apples we were given a behind the scences tour. Very interesting! First stop was the cooler.

(sorry about the picture. The lighting in the cooler wasn't good.)

I was amazed at the stacks and stacks of crates.


All full of fresh picked apples!

The next area we entered the walls were plastered with fair ribbons.


Oh my, I loved looking at all of the ribbons. I had a hard time keeping my mind on the tour. :)

The day we were there they were bottling fresh cider.



Yum!

Sack lunches were enjoyed and then it was playtime!


The play area had many fun things to do


and a beautiful view!

I could have look at this view all day.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

"Sweet" Teacher Gift

The first week of school is coming to an end and it has been a great week. Megan says that she doesn't like school, she LOVES school! This mama couldn't be happier. :) When I saw this featured I knew exactly what I would send in to celebrate this wonderful week.


You can find the instructions for these here. I made three each for her teacher and classroom aide. I wrapped a piece of card stock around the "pencils" to look like a pencil case and then tied on the tag. It says "I hope your first week has been sweet!" Just a little something that I hope will make them feel appreciated.
I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

School Days

Yesterday was the first day of school. Megan was super excited. She is going to the same place she attended preschool last year. It is a Christian school that goes through 5th grade. She is in their half day program.


My big girl ready to go.


She was impatient with pictures because she was ready to hit the road. She went through the car line like a champ. She declared it fun!


Once in her classroom it was right to work.

I am still keeping the boys four days a week and we had a quiet morning without Megan. Abe missed her like crazy (and so did Mama!). Before we knew it Megan was home. She chattered about all of the kindergarten happenings and asked when she could go back! I call that a success.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!