Apple Orchard

We planned a family day at the apple orchard and got a little worried towards the end of the week because of the weather but today turned out to be a delightful surprise with the weather being in the low 70's with tons of sunshine! We could not have asked for better weather. We decided to try out a local apple orchard that have received many rave reviews on my Mommy FB groups. It was only 15 minutes away from where we lived anyway versus the one we usually go to which is 40 minutes away. Apple Valley Orchard turned out to be better than what we had expected! Since the weather was perfect that day, it seemed like the entire city turned out too but, the parking was plentiful and they have staff that directs traffic and parking - which was helpful. The apple orchard was huge! There is a pick up area where you wait for the large tractor to come get you. You hop on and it takes you around the orchard to drop you off where you want to pick your apples. Then, when it comes back around, you can hop back on and bring your pickings to be weighed and paid for. The only thing that you'll need is to bring your own bags since they don't provide any. I think this will be a great marketing tool if they did have their own bags with their logo, website, phone, etc. on it. Maybe in the near future they will provide some?

On the tractor ride through the orchard.

Staying cool in the shade.

After you pay for your apples, you can go inside their shop and browse some crafts and homemade jams, pies, etc. Then, you'll have to stop by the bakery section and try like - every single item they have baked that day! Its all made with apples of course but my favorite is the apple dumplings. Yum! Thinking about it makes my mouth watery.

There is also a pumpkin patch area (pumpkins are already picked and grouped by size with price) where you can pick out some pumpkins. And a play area with a cool wooden train where kids can jump on. All FREE! I am planning on going back this weekend just to eat the baked goods again. haha. Overall, Apple Valley Orchard is a good place to take your family out for a fun, apple picking day. Just remember to bring your own bags/baskets for the apples and be patient since this is a pretty popular apple orchard. Have fun!

Citrus Lane - September 2013

I received my September Citrus Lane box today and I must say that I absolutely LOVE it! Granted, this is my only 2nd box from them. I look forward to many more now. Let's get started on what's inside the September box for a 3 month old...

The theme for this month's box is "Start of Fall".

* Charley Harper 123s from Ammo Books - value $10.00
* Chime Ball from Skip Hop - value $10.00
* Playful Wash from Episencial - value $4.00
* Diaper Rash Ointment from Dr. Smith's - value $4.30
* Nail Color (in Coco) from Julep - value $14.00

Total estimated value of September box = $42.30

I paid $25 dollars for a monthly subscription so yes, this box was definitely worth it!

Monthly subscriptions can be purchased 4 different ways:

1. Monthly subscriptions = $25/box billed monthly and cancel anytime

2. 3 Month subscription = $25/box paid upfront and renews automatically

3. 6 Month subscription = $21/box paid upfront and renews automatically

4. 1 Year subscription = $21/box 

If you are interested in trying out this service, please use my link here and subscribe. Remember, new members get 50% off with the code "TAKEHALF" (not sure how long this offer will last?). These care packages are personalized to age and stage of your child and it's free shipping!

Look who's 3 months old...

Anakin turned 3 months old today. Time DOES fly by oh so fast... my dear Ani is already 3 months. *sniff*sniff* Please help me find a way to stop time...

Anakin is big enough to be carried around in a traditional Hmong baby carrier (the one in the picture above was a gift from my Mother in-law). He likes to be carried like this all day and usually falls alseep within 30 minutes. He doesn't fuss either. He loves being close to Mommy's heart.

He also still enjoys reading time. I realized that I don't have that many board books - only two! I need to go shopping for more. I like these board books because now that he's a drooler, the books don't get ruined and he won't hurt himself if he gets a hold of the pages. 

Dear Anakin,

Mommy can't believe that you're growing so fast. It just seemed like yesterday that your Daddy and I brought you home from the hospital. You were so tiny that it looked like you were going to slip out of your buckles in your carseat. The clothes you had on were too big on you so we had to roll up the sleeves and your pants. Then one day, you just wouldn't fit into them anymore. It all seemed so fast... 

Now you can talk back to Mommy and smile your big smile with your crinkled nose. Mommy can't wait until you can laugh uncontrollably and when mommy can find your ticklish spot.

I love it when you wake up in the morning you never cry... You just stretch out your limbs and blink until Mommy comes in your sight then you smile your big smile at me. I love you so so much, my dear Ani.

Last night we had a family date night with my sister's family on the City Deck. The Green Bay Neighborhood Leadership Council was holding their 3rd Annual Movie Night featuring Jurassic Park (my nephew's favorite movie). So we came an hour early to grab something to eat at the nearby Gyro cafe and laid out our blanket to reserve our spot for the movie. It was a bit windy when we got there so I didn't know if we would stay that long but, the wind died down just before the movie started and it was THE PERFECT NIGHT outside for a movie. Too bad we had to leave early because my nephews were naughty and Anakin was being fussy because it was too loud. I think we will try again next year when all the kids are a bit older... maybe. Thanks to the Green Bay Neighborhood Leadership Council for holding these FREE events for people of Green Bay. I enjoy attending such events as this and look forward to many more. I hear that the city of De Pere is thinking about having their own movie in the park next year so I will have my ears perked up to see if I can gather more information and share it with you all. In the mean time, do you enjoy these movie in the park events and how do you deal with little kids at these events (those you bring and those that other people bring)?

I attended the 3rd Annual De Pere Fashion Night Out event with my sister last night and it was so much fun. It's hard to believe that such an event geared towards fashion exists in small suburban town De Pere but, it does! There was lots of shopping, amazing raffles, awesome music, very yummy food, and I saw ladies of all sizes and shapes wearing such amazing outfits too. I had a blast and am already looking forward to next year's event. Did your city have a FNO event? Share your post below and I promise to check out your pictures from your FNO event. Happy Fashion Week!!!

Check out a short clip of the event here: http://instagram.com/p/d5jy6ZkywJ/

Here is the longer video of the fashion show: http://youtu.be/LDtk4BNZb_k