An Apple a Day......

This weekend we had the opportunity to spend some quality family time together. Brandon didn't have class and since it was Labor Day we had an extra day added to our weekend. Most of the weekend went as usual, Brandon studied while the girls and I played, but we made the most of it.

Caroline has been saving her money for months. Every time her Dad comes home with change in his pocket, she loses a tooth, or someone give her a gift, that cash went straight in her piggy bank. This weekend we decided to cash it all in and go shopping. My 6 year old managed to save $53! Her mind was whirling with possibilities. On the way to the mall we talked about how buying a bunch of little things would probably not be the best idea and it was best to search for good items even if they cost more since they would last longer and she would use them more. Things started off so well, she found some great things on sale and was willing to walk away from other things that she thought was just too much money to spend. I was so proud of the foundation of an appreciation for what things cost as our trip went on, until time started to run out and Caroline started picking up anything that had sparkles or kittys on it. She still managed to save half her money for another day, so I would say overall it was a successful adventure.

Monday Brandon was completely caught up with his studying so we took the girls to Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur http://www.millstonecreekorchards.com/. Only a 45 minute drive from Apex, but we felt like we had gotten away from it all. The girls had the chance to pick apples, swing on tire swings, and drink apple cider slushies on the front porch rocking chairs. We walked through the peach, grape, blueberry, and blackberry orchards to plan a return trip. Brandon's parents were able to join us and we had a leisurely lunch in Siler City before coming home to make homemade applesauce and bake fresh apple bread. How about them apples?!

The girls having fun in the apple orchard

Nana with Bella picking apples.

Summer picking apples with Brandon

Brandon helping Caroline with the high ones

Caroline getting some air on the tire swing

Summer enjoying the tire swing with Brandon

To top it all off, even though Brandon had to study 3 of the 4 days he was off of work we had the entire evening with him each night. We got to play with the kids, he helped me with bed and bath time and we had at least 2 hours of uninterrupted time together each evening. It was bliss! These are the weekends that we live for and I'm glad we were able to enjoy every moment of it.