The Rest of Massanutten

While on the trip, there were two "hikes" that happened around the building where we stayed.  They were short but intense because of the steep hills!  Here is Parker and Ryan on the "rocky trail". 

 

He had the best time!  

On Sunday, we woke up first thing and headed out to Carter Mountain Orchard for some apple picking.  This has been a tradition now since 2008 (minus last year).  We love going up to the top of the mountain to take in the gorgeous view and grab a few fresh apples.  

Did I mention that Parker wore his backpack almost all weekend?  It was pretty cute.

 

This little girl was not in the mood to smile that day.  It was pretty cold and SO muddy.  Our shoes were covered in mud and there are still stains in some of the clothes Audrey and I wore (ivory sweater for me and ivory leggings for her--clearly I was not prepared for getting dirty).  We both ended up carrying them up and down the hill to get to the apples. 

She was pretty interested in the process.

Trying to get this boy to cooperate and smile "normal" is always interesting.  This would not be the last picture of the day where he's banging someone on the head!

Again with the not smiling.

 I was trying SO HARD to get them to look and smile!  A half smile from Parker and an irritated screech from Audrey is all I got--haha.

At this point I threw an apple to them and Parker gave it to her to eat.  I love seeing his face as he's telling her to take a bite as well as his hand on her waist.  The sweetness is just too much.

 

Actually, this was the first picture after I tossed over the apple.  Playing bongos on her head?  This makes me laugh every time I look at it.

Classic "CHEESE!" face.  At this point I was wrangling with both kids while Ryan was going to get the car.  Notice the intense mud beneath his feet!

Making the trip to Charlottesville to visit Carter Mountain is one of the many things I love about fall.  It brings back so many memories of all the trips before.  It's fun to see how our family has grown since we started going:

Oh hey, babies!  How are things back in 2008?  Disclaimer:  this was taken at Monticello, but we did go to Carter Mountain during this trip! :)

Pregnant with Parker.

Parker at about 8 months old.  Disclaimer:  I forgot that this year we went the Carter Mountain's sister orchard in Crozet that lets you pick your own pumpkins.  This picture was actually taken at a nearby vineyard.

Parker at about 20 months old.  I was a month pregnant with Audrey!

.....and here we are today!  Looking forward to next year's trip already :)