The Franklin Family: Apple Pickin'

This past weekend, Brian and I took the girls to Mercier's Orchard up in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Mercier's is where the Dwarf Houses get their fried pies, so Brian suggested that we go there because he's been there many times. I was somewhat hesitant because of the 2 hour drive, but I have to admit, it was more than worth it! The girls did great in the car. Caroline read the whole way there and back, and Aubrey slept much of the way there and talked the whole way back! When we got there we first wentin to lookaround and of course we were drawn in to the bakery section! They had every type of fried pie you could imagine: strawberry and cream, apple, peach, pear, custard, chocolate, dried apple, blackberry, blueberry, apple cranberry pecan, cherry, sweet potato, and the list goes on and on. After we tore Caroline (and Brian) away from the bakery, we bought our bag for apple picking. In order to get to the orchards, you get to ride in a wagon pulled by a tractor. Caroline thought this was really cool, Aubrey wasn't so sure about it! The apple orchards were amazing! There were so many it was unbelievable! All of them were labeled with the type of apples. On the ride to the orchards, the "tour guide" told us all about the apples and which were at the peak season. We ended up getting the Jonagold apples. While we were picking, we ate apples and had a great time!! When we were finished filling our bag, we went back to the store tofind goodies! We found all kinds of amazing things! We got all types of preserves, apple cider that it unlike any I've ever had, a blackberry mustard dip for pretzels, amazing apple bread, apple fritters, and of course we each got a fried pie! Brian stuck with the apple, I got the strawberry and cream cheese, Caroline chose a lemon cream filled cookie, and of course Aubrey sampled the lot! The best part was that Brian told Caroline that she could eat her dessert before our picnic! She was beyond thrilled!! Overall, it was such a great experience, not only for the girls, but for me as well. I want to do so many more ofthese types of things so the girls can have these fun experiences to look back on. I've added some pictures below of our day! Enjoy!!!