On Turning 40 and Family Apple Picking

I can hardly believe it myself.  Last Friday was my birthday, and I turned 40 years old!!  Yes, I’m the oldest and wisest of my family.
(Ok, I added the wisest bit myself. lol)

I’ve waited since I was really a kid, to feel grown up. But I still feel like a kid!  Since I have all of the responsibilities an adult would have, I’m guessing I am one by now, and I’ll just never feel it. I must have had some notion when I was a kid, about what it must ‘feel like‘ to be all grown up, and I’ve waited for ‘that’ feeling.  And I was just plain wrong. Because I’m still waiting!  Not complaining.  Just saying. : )

I didn’t plan my birthday-day, this year, as is the tradition around here.  Or certainly not in advance, as I was supposed and expected to do, anyway.  With the planning for the tv crew being at our house, last Wednesday, and Thursday spent doing our school work and catching up on work, Friday was there before I knew it!  Birthday morning brought 5 excited faces, all with a set of ears of their own, just waiting to hear my big plans of the day for our family, to celebrate my birthday.  (Oh dear. “Think quick“,  I told myself.)

Well, I knew I just wanted to do something Autumn-themed, with my family.  I decided on just what we did last year for my birthday;   a nice ride to enjoy the fall foliage and decorated yards along the way, some apple picking, having fun taking photos as I please, and maybe a stop or 2 at some antique shops.

So after the traditional birthday breakfast, we headed out to our local(ish)  pick-your-own-this-and-that farm, CN Smith’s. It was a really enjoyable and peaceful ride along the winding roads, with many trees in the early stages of a changing color palette.  But it did seem the clouds were starting to roll in, and it was the kind that seemed to blow a gentle breeze that whispered ‘rain ‘.

I love the store of this farm.  It is always selling their fresh fruit and produce of the season, grown right there in their own fields. They also have native honey, preserves, and apple cider.  There’s a petting zoo outside, lots of flowers, some green houses, a great old tractor, and you can go pick-your-own-whatever through many of the seasons of the year.  I might add, they really get into Halloween.  A little too much for our crew, (and frankly, even for me!),  although the carved pumpkin hay rides are nothing short of amazing.

Just as we headed out to the apple orchards, it began to sprinkle rain. I didn’t mind US getting a little wet, but I was worried about my camera.  After all…it’s my big $-maker.  And my other best friend. : )  But I decided to have a little birthday faith in the Lord, and He indeed made my little ‘don’t let it rain‘ wish come true. He’s so good to me. : )

And so the picking began.  As did the photo-taking .  I had some much fun with my family, and my camera.

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1-2-3-BITE!

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Our Apple Family.

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One of my favorite shots of the day.  I got one shot, and then the wasp (?) flew away.

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My true runner.

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After a good sprint, he decided he was mighty fast, and called for a race….

Ready-Set-Go!!!

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Then, with our bag of red gems in hand, it was time to head in the direction of home, anyway, with perhaps a stop or 2 along the way.

 

On our own birthdays, we decide what kind of birthday cake we want.  My choice?

Apple Crisp, with vanilla ice cream please!  (ok, so it’s not cake, but it’s close enough.)

My husband and oldest daughter got to peeling right away when we got home, and baked a delicious dish of just-what-I-wanted, with a great big golden scoop to go with it.

A fine Autumn day, full of beautiful colors and fresh air,  a long country ride, as I listen to the amusing conversations of my children in the back, laughter and adventure, fun photo opportunities, good food I didn’t have to make, home made cards expressing such love, tons of hugs, kisses, cuddles, the counting of blessings that are mine all year long….all spent with my family.  That is what my kind of birthdays are made of.

Happy Birthday to me, indeed.