Johnny Appleseed.

Today, we finished homeschooling and piano lessons by early afternoon … I knew I had a session this evening to shoot (which usually means that will be all I book for the day as it is a bit tiring at the end of this pregnancy) … but as I drove the girls home from piano lessons and had the windows rolled down in our truck, I could hear the birds singing, the sunshine was warming our faces, I just knew we couldn’t pass up this opportunity …

So, off apple picking we went! The girls were so excited – our second field trip … 🙂

Yes, Lucia had a typical-over-tired-too-hot-two-year-old tantrum right as I was paying for the apples.

Yes, Lyla and Lucia fought over the (foolishly purchased) candy stick when we walked through the store …

Yes, I was so tired and had way too many Braxton Hicks contractions by the end of the trip ….

…. but we really did have a great time … life is what you make it, isn’t it? I could complain and whine about how ridiculous it was to take three kids apple picking on the hottest day of fall so far (man, was it hot or what?!) nearly 9 months pregnant and deal with Lucia’s meltdowns … or I could look at these images and realize we made memories today and the temper tantrums aside, this *is* how I want to spend my days …

(Okay, I could do with less Braxton Hicks …. )

We’re blessed with a good variety of apple orchards right near us – this one in particular was so lovely …

The apples were big and juice and ready for picking … it didn’t take us long to pick over 30 lbs of apples.

“The apples go like THIS, Lucia …”

Lyla – the take charge girl.

Lucia, the droopy-bottom girl. I need to put her back in 18 month pants because these toddler pants are just not cutting it!

“Hmm, how do I reach those juicy ones?”

Ahhh, the helping hand and watchful eye of a big sister. Or maybe she’s snatching the apple for her own bag …

self-timered-poorly focused, but it’s us … (minus daddy) … now why do all my girls look crabby when I was the one pulling the wagon full of 30 lbs of apples?!

And baby bump was there too. Obviously.

So what am I going to do with all these apples?!

You guessed it – apple sauce! I think I will save that for next week’s project, though … stay tuned for apple-sauce-adventures to come.

September 23, 2010 - 8:51 pm

Pam Soltesz Congratulations on your pregnancy, Gillian! I didn’t know you & Abby were expecting another little life — how exciting!!!

Just wanted to say how much I LOVE your photography — spontaneous, fun, playful, sensual (pregnancy photos) and sensational! You have a great eye…keep up the fab work (though with homeschooling 3 and expecting a 4th very soon not sure how much time you will have to pursue your “hobby”!).

Take care of you and baby….!!

With His heartbeat,
Pam :))

September 23, 2010 - 8:56 am

Lori Love the pics – the orchard was an awesome setting. I also think that Lucia’s droopy bottoms are extra cute 🙂

September 22, 2010 - 10:55 am

Sherri Lacy looks sooooo grown up. It’s cute how Lyla likes to teach Lucia how to do things too. Good memories for you. <3

September 22, 2010 - 10:00 am

Lori Great pics and I have some other recipes for all your apples if you like. Enjoy!

September 22, 2010 - 9:30 am

Christine Taylor What great pictures Gillian… and you would never know the kids were cranky… great fall memories!!

September 22, 2010 - 9:04 am

Andrea Gigi-I hope my tweets made it to you on how I was taught to make pink applesauce. Love your fall pictures!!!!