Just~us Apples

We made our annual family trip to the mountains today to go apple picking--and we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather! We left here at 7:20 and made it to Justus Orchards in Hendersonville by around 9:30--(perfect timing because as we were leaving the parking area was packed and a couple of cars were vying for our parking spot right up front!) I love this orchard because they are SO friendly, help explain the different types of apples, provide samples of slices of apples so you can try which ones you like best. They also have donuts, cider & even barbecue plates if you want to stay and eat lunch in their covered picnic area! We didn't stay for lunch, as we continued our day by going to O.P Taylor's toy store in Asheville (the 2nd part of our annual tradition!) But, enough of those details as I know how much you really just want to see pictures of the kids ;)

 Family Picture Take 1

 Got out of the sun, Take 2

 Best as it's gonna get- Take 3

 Brilee got to take a ride in the wagon back up to the barn

 "Just Us" Apples!

 Brilee was not going to have any part of the "How Tall this Fall?" sign!

 And as Jon got her to stand still, Sean was preoccupied with his apple...

 Well, we get the general idea of how tall they are this fall!

New Mop!

So, you read that right...I'm blogging about a mop! But it's only because it is the most wonderful mop I've ever used, so I had to share it with you!

http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?Prod_ID=RP091920

The features that make this mop incredible?
1) It has an EMPTY bottle for you to mix your OWN cleaning solution in!  None of those refills that cost $
2) It comes with 2 washable microfiber cleaning cloths!  None of those disposable pads that cost $!

And on a side note:  Yes, even though Jon used to work for Rubbermaid and he lost his job there only TWO months before Lilly was born, I still love their products ;)

So, if you were like me--I got tired of my mop that used the expensive refills, so I switched to an old school mop.  However, that one was still less than desirable since it remained wet after using it  and wasn't washable---this is the perfect mop for you!

The price listed online says $25, however, I only paid $9.99 for it at Sam's Club!  It comes with 2 washable microfiber cloths which I simply washed in my sink instead of the washing machine.  It said it will last up to 100 washes in a machine, but I figured it would last longer if I hand wash!  Try it out, you'll love it!

Mother & Son Date "Knight"

Sean and I enjoyed a special date night tonight at Chick-fil-a!

 Take #1 of date night...

Take #2 we actually got him looking at the camera!  (A very difficult feat for an active little guy!)

 Lilly wanted her picture taken with mommy too ;)

One more reason to love our favorite place to eat--they planned a very special night for mothers and their sons--including a peaceful ambience not typical of Chick fil a during daytime hours--tablecloths, candles & extra, extra special service (because they already have great service for moms with kiddos during the daytime!)

Sean drew a special picture for me on a knight shield (he was supposed to draw a "family crest" but he wanted to draw me and himself together, so who was I to argue?!)  They also gave him a balloon sword and a long-stemmed rose to give to me ;)

 My favorite part of the picture is "mommy's VERY long hair" (that looks more like a big spider on the top of my head ;)  I love that he was paying attention to the details, though!

 Our activity brochure that gave ideas on saving memories and finding fun together

 My long-stemmed rose

Sean's favorite part of the evening by far, however, was the bounce castle they had outside.  He jumped and bounced to his heart's content and I think he enjoyed the fact that ALL my attention was on him for a change instead of being divided amongst his sisters!  He popped out of the opening once and I asked him, "Are you done already, buddy?"  to which he replied, "No, I just came to give you a hug!"  Be still my heart!  How sweet!

I sure hope they have a Daddy/Daughter date night sometime soon at Chick-fil-A!  I'm sure Lilly & Brilee enjoyed their time with daddy tonight, but Lilly sure was sad she wasn't going tonight ;(

Thanks, Chick-fil-A for the wonderful memories with my little guy!

Leaf Lanterns

We did a cute fall craft today that the kids had fun making that I had to share because they turned out beautiful! Leaf Lanterns!

We went on a nature walk to find leaves which were still somewhat "flexible" instead of crunchy. When we returned home we placed the leaves between waxed paper. I told the kids I was going to go get the iron to make the paper stick together so the leaves wouldn't fall out. Lilly asked me, "Iron? What's an iron?" Hmmm...that's a clue as to what my LEAST favorite chore is! I avoid ironing like the plague!

Anyway, I lightly ironed the waxed paper until the leaves shone through well then we cut strips of construction paper to go around the outside edges. Curve the paper ends together to make a cylinder and staple the ends together. And, voila! you have a beautiful fall decoration (and made by the kids!)  I was going to use string to hang them, but decided the strips of paper worked just as well for this purpose.