Apple Pickin', Pumpkin Patchin', and Other Fall Festivities

Growing up in Southern California, Spring was always my favorite season. 70 degrees and sunny is my jam. I call that “skirt and cardigan” weather. In Georgia, Spring honestly kinda blows (One Word: Pollen) but we get something even better — a true Autumn. Fall is gorgeous here and I find myself pointing out the yellow/orange/red trees to anyone around me. You Southern and East Coast natives might roll your eyes a bit but you know you love it. Who doesn’t? I am reminded of God in every shade; is He the ultimate artist, or what?! The cooler weather held out a bit this year and most of October was actually pretty warm. I’m not complaining about any of it! Before we know it, we’ll be stuck indoors during another snowpocalypse, I’m sure.

One of the the things that sold me on our apartment was that it had a fireplace with a mantle. I’ve always wanted to do themed mantels for various seasons and holidays but it took me 6 months of living here before I actually did anything to decorate it! I love how it turned out but next year I’m going to do a Halloween mantle and then switch it to fall theme the beginning of November.

We officially kicked off the season the last weekend of September, by visiting the Duluth Fall Festival [which was on our Atlanta Bucket List]!

Benjamin’s OOTD deets: tee//leggings//shoes//jacket

We were supposed to be meeting friends at the festival, but they were sick and couldn’t come. We ended up having more time than we expected between the festival and a little friend’s birthday party we were going to in the afternoon. It turned out that they lived in the same neighborhood as Ben’s best friend [Benjamin’s godfather], who was home at the time. We ended up going there for a short visit first and then headed to the party to celebrate Riley’s 3rd birthday. It was a fun-filled day!

Another thing on our fall to-do list [as well as our Atlanta bucket list, although not technically in ATL] was to go apple picking! To my knowledge I’ve never been, and definitely not in my adult life. That was to be our final family outing with Candice during her visit last month. Local friends had mentioned Hillcrest Orchards, so I decided we’d visit there. It wasn’t until the day of our visit that I realized it was over an hour and a half away. Oops. There was traffic and a cranky toddler in both directions but we had a great time while we were there! Next year, I definitely want to go a bit earlier in the season, so the pickings are better. I had no idea how awesome this place was, though! Because of where it’s located, people can drive in from both Tennessee and North Carolina in the same amount of time it takes us to get there from Atlanta. They offer so many fun things for kids to do and I’m excited to make our trips there a family tradition.

Candice was kind enough to take a few family photos for me. I packed the heels to wear but don’t worry, I didn’t wear them any longer than it took to get a few cute photos. *wink* Totally printing this one:

There were several play areas and plenty of things we’ll do once Benjamin is a bit older, like the corn maze.

We loved the petting zoo the most — especially the pigmy goats! Oh my goodness. I wanted to take one home but Ben said no and I didn’t think they were allowed in apartments. Ha!

We really could not have asked for a more beautiful day! If you’re local, I definitely recommend adding Hillcrest Orchards to your must-do list for fall next year!

And what would October be if there weren’t pumpkin patchin’ involved?! Candice went back to Cali on the 20th (a Monday) and that Friday we went with our mom’s group/playgroup to Warbington Farms in Cumming. As she often does [because she’s awesome] my friend, Maggie, picked us up “on the way”. We got there just after 10 am but I guess our group wasn’t being shown as a field trip so they were a bit unorganized. We still went through all the different “stations”, beginning with the petting zoo. I loved the llama and Benjamin liked the rabbits the best.

Then the kids rode and pushed each other in the cars. There was only minimal arguing, so kudos toddlers.

They also had a “hay ride”, sans hay, to take us around the farm.

Our last stop was the pumpkin patch. They were supposed to have story time here but when that didn’t happen, we took the opportunity for a photo op. Duh. I just love this group photo… of the top of their heads. Haha!