Apple Of My Eye

 We returned to BJ Reece Apple Orchard for our annual trip during fall break. The temperatures could not have been better to break out some new fall clothes and boots. Ms. Stacie, Eden, and Chip joined us this year, and we could not wait to introduce them to one of our favorite spots.

The farm was much less crowded than it typically is, so we practically walked right in. After a stop with the baby animals, we explored the orchard and picked all the apples, climbed all the trees, and much to Tuttle's disapproval took ALL the pictures. :)

At the end we loaded up with a wagon full of apple treats as well as our three bags of apples from the orchard and headed back home. It was the perfect start to the fall season with some of our most favorite people.

Now who has apple recipes for me.....

On Trend

 If you are going to commit to a fashion trend, you need to give 100%.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

 Tuttle had his first ever baseball game on Saturday. His coaches and teammates have been so welcoming and encouraging while he pursues this new sport. He told me several times that he was nervous to play, but he was eager to take the field when time came. Tuttle has a lot of VERY talented boys on his team. I know he is really going to look up to them all season, and his coaches have taken a real interest in making sure his first time is FUN!

Tuttle's second time at bat earned him a successful hit. Although it caused a third out for another teammate, it made the first game memorable for our boy. I know he was proud to make contact with the ball.

The Orioles won the game 8-3, and Tuttle took home the game ball for his hit. We are all looking forward to another game soon! GO ORIOLES!

Labor of Love Weekend

 This felt like the strangest end of the summer with our Labor Day Weekend. It was the longest summer vacation since March, but it was also the fastest with a big move, new friends, new schools, and battling a global pandemic. We definitely packed in a lot of fun into the holiday weekend.

Saturday we packed up the entire family, including the dog, for a hike around Tallulah Gorge. The weather could not have been more perfect, and everyone was energized to explore the area. Despite Daddy getting stung on the foot by a yellow jacket at the very beginning of our hike, we took in all the sights and ended with a quick swim. We are officially over the baby hurdle, and all three kids can keep up. Jacob passed us all running up over 600 stairs after walking across the suspension bridge!

Sunday we invited the Burke Family over to swim. The kids splashed for hours while we relaxed on the porch. After kicking the animals off the porch and pressure washing everything, it is our favorite spot at the new house right now. We love our lifelong friendship with the Burkes and always picking up right where we left off.

Jay wins "Parent of the Year" for setting up the tent and hammock for a sibling sleepover Sunday evening. Tuttle was the only one that lasted all night.

Sunday was spent getting ready for the week. Daddy and Tuttle mowed the lawn and cleaned up the backyard while Maggie, Jacob, and I organzied the playroom and did laundry. Maggie found the perfect student for her pretend school with Jacob. I was so jealous of her eager participant. Being an only child, my dolls and stuffed animals were not nearly as responsive as a sibling, but they did have MUCH better behavior. I guess it is a trade off. :)

We are all dragging a little bit on this Tuesday, but our fun weekend was worth all the yawns today!

My People

 We have now been dealing with the pandemic for six months. There have been a lot of changes in the Thorne home and adapting to all the changes beyond our doors. Despite the anxiety and stress dealing with everything, I would not want to endure it with anyone other than these people. My people.

The Best

 Gram is not a huge fan of this picture, but I think it radiates her love for my babies. She would do anything for them, including riding a see saw at almost 70 years old. :)