So, we decided to take our first trip back to Stribling Orchard in close to seven years. The last time Mark and I were there, it was shortly after we were married, and we got so into the spirit of the fall weather, the apple picking, etc. that we ended up coming home with 37 pounds of apples. Keep in mind, we lived in a smallish one-bedroom condo at the time, our kitchen wasn't very big, and we were faced with the prospect of what to do with all these apples. We felt like Bubba and Forrest in that scene of Forest Gump where Bubba is describing all the things they do with shrimp. We made 9 apple pies, apple cake, apple turnovers, apple butter, cinnamon apples, ate the apples...you get the idea. We haven't gone apple picking since, but we decided to take the girls and enjoy the beautiful fall day. So, what's the one thing you can do to prevent yourself from picking too many apples??? Bring two toddlers with you! This time, we only came home with about 10 pounds.
Before we picked apples, Nina and Lyla had to check out the sheep, goats, and horse at the orchard.
Isn't it true that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!
Nina was so intent on trying to climb the trees. She made it up this one (with a little help) and picked some apples for us.
Mark, of course, got all the best apples from the very tops of the trees!
Both girls liked eating the apples straight from the tree, but we had to keep a close eye on Lyla who would happily pick up any rotten apple off the ground and start eating it.
We had a picnic lunch on top of the highest hill in the orchard and were able to look out over the Shenandoah Valley area. If only the leaves had been in prime season for the fall colors! Regardless, we had a good time together at the orchard.
Mark was home yesterday, so we decided to take the girls to Pumpkinville. We saw some pretty interesting animals that were part of the Loudoun Animal Farm, the girls got to slide down some big slides and climb and jump in the bounce houses, and we enjoyed being outside and enjoying the fall festivities for the day. 
Check out the big tortoise in the backgound.
Nina really wanted her picture taken outside with Lyla and the pumpkin. Sorry for the weird shadows in the picture. I was just trying to snap something before Lyla got up.
Lyla just cracked the 19 month mark. She got a check-up last week and all reports came back great. She is still off the charts in height and low in weight, but I'm sure all that will even out soon. She loves building towers with blocks, stacking cups, etc. and loves to have books read to her. She is copycat #1 of all things Nina. One of the funny things she does right now is telling you when she passes gas. Since it's just family and friends that read this, I'm sure no one will be offended, but you'll hear a little noise and she'll look up and say "toot." I'm sure someday she'll be thrilled that I shared that information. While in the past she has been very eager to please, that trend hasn't exactly manifested itself as of late. The often self-involved mindset of a toddler would probaby fit her personality better right now. However, she is still loving and sweet most of the time.
The guys from the 1999 team and their coaches.
The wives of the players and coaches.
All the kids that would agree to be in the picture. Lyla wouldn't agree to get in the picture, and Nina is clearly excited to be a part of the photo op. Click on the picture to see her expression!
Nina had a really great time at the dinner event on Friday. There were a lot of kids, and she did very well. Lyla, on the other hand, struggled to stay up late and take in all the stimulation, but with the help of her paci and lots of being held by Mark and I, she survived.
While Mark and I were gone on Saturday, they all got to go to the community Fall Festival. I wish I would have been there to take pictures, but we heard it was a lot of fun! Grandma and Grandpa left on Sunday, and although the visit was short, it was great to have them here for a couple days.
Nina is teaching Lyla all about dress-up. Lyla finally fits in one of Nina's first dress-up dresses, and Nina is actually thrilled about it. Now she has a princess partner to play the part with.
Isn't it true that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!
Nina was so intent on trying to climb the trees. She made it up this one (with a little help) and picked some apples for us.
Yesterday, we made our annual trip to Cox Farms for their fall festival. While the past two years have been fun, I would say that this year was the best so far. We had such a great time. Check out all the photos from our day by clicking HERE, and choose the Slideshow option to read the captions that go with the pictures! 