Leaves, leaves and more leaves

One of the things that we really like about our back yard is all the trees. During the spring we enjoy watching the new leaves grow and summer is filled with playing in the shade. Of course the fall colors are wonderful but I have to admit that at least once each fall I think, "Oh crap each one of those will be coming down." Believe me I am not a fall grinch, I do quickly snap out of it and enjoy. Sorry I said crap.

Getting to work

Over the past few weeks, Apple Valley has exploded with beautiful fall colors. We have really been enjoying the view. But, of course, we have to rake the leaves to get ready for the next season that is coming...not that we are in a hurry for it yet! Erik and the Apple Valley Kiddos worked together today and got a lot done. They filled 28 brown yard bags and we still have 1/2 our yard to go...and the leaves are still falling! Andrew took the first picture of dad. The next picture was of the process..kids stomping (mulching) the leaves so they can fit more leaves into the bags. The last one is Emily building up our big leaf pile. Mom, in case you were wondering... No parades were missed during making of these leaf piles..hehehe.

Time for fun

Needless to say there were a lot of leaves being raked today. We had to have some fun too. I mean really, who can resist a good leaf pile?

Ryan comes out of the waterslide

Vortex pool video

The apple orchard

The Apple Orchard

What kind of Apple Valley mom would I be if I didn't take the Apple Valley kiddos to an apple orchard? We went to Fischer Croix apple orchard in Hastings, Mn. We had such a great time. We picked Honey Golden apples. Let me tell you they are wonderful. In fact Ryan said it was the best apple he has ever had in his life. We did make apple sauce with them and it was so yummy.