Using numerous techniques (including bribery, blackmail and a little bit of pregnant lady whining) I was able to successfully talk Patton into taking the family apple picking this weekend. We drove down RT66 to Markham, VA to an adorable family run establishment called Stribling Orchard. It was not only a beautiful place; nestled in the foothills of the Blueridge and complete with generations-old stone farmhouse, but also a gorgeous day- blue skies, crisp air and autumnal colors everywhere!
Sofie had a blast! Pat wore her in the backpack for the majority of the outing so she could see over his shoulders and watch him use the apple-picker to get only the best apples from the tree. Toward the end of our visit, we found a perfect little spot (overlooking the orchard, valley and some precious little barns and buildings) to take Sophia out and have a mini-apple-picnic. Mostly for the purpose of taking a cute picture, we gave Sof's an apple to hold and she immediately (and with intention- I might add) bit straight into it. We didn't dare wrestle it away from her, and about 20 minutes later- it was almost gone!! She was seriously cracking us up! She LOVED the thing, and was so proud to eat it all by herself!
Needless to say, we all had a great time. I informed Patton on the ride home that we had, in fact, just started an annual family tradition.... and he may even be on board :)
