Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Apple Picking In Oak Glen

We go to Oak Glen every Fall to pick apples.  We always try to time it so that when we go it will be chilly and feel like Autumn.  Usually though, it is warm.  But this time it was just perfect!  Crisp and cool.  Cerulean blue skies, with leaves blowing gently in the cool mountain breeze.   We like to picnic on the lawn at Rios Ranch.  It was such a beautiful day for eating outside, and playing with the girls.
We all had a delicious piece of pumpkin pie that Gennifer brought.  With whipped cream, of course.

It was as good as it looks!
This year, we didn't pick the apples.  The orchards were all picked.  But we don't need to pick them anymore.  We just love to be up there and enjoy the atmosphere.  We purchased bags of apples and big jugs of apple cider to take home.  After our picnic, we took a nice long hike along the trail.  But first we had to stop and do a little foot stompin' to the Blue Grass band that was playing.
 The views from the trail were just stunning.  Rolling hills, meadows, and apple orchards, all tended to so lovingly by the ranchers that call this pretty place home.
We meandered along the pathway, stopping to admire the beauty at every turn.
Oak leaves and acorns littered the path like candy from a broken pinata.  We picked them up along the way, saving our treasures in our pockets to take home and admire them later.

We stood under majestic sequoia trees.
We paused to admire the antique farm equipment that was part of the trail.

Resting a minute on this fishing boat.
A really cute shot of Gennifer and her family.
Gennifer took some of Greg and I, and we had a little photo bomber join us.
Isn't she cute with those binoculars around her neck?
The views at the top of the trail, with the reflection of the mountain in the water, were breathtaking.
We picked up the pace on the way back, as the sun was waning, and we still had another stop to make on the way down the mountain.  We wandered into the orchards for a few more photos.
The sun was sinking lower, and we had to scoot down the hill for our apple donuts.  We arrived just in time to get into line for our evening snack.
The donuts are made assembly line style, and can be viewed while standing in line.
The aroma drifts through the air, making us hungry in anticipation.  By now, the sun is nearly down, and the temperature is dropping.  We were tired, cold and hungry.  After ordering our donuts, and hot coffee, we sat outside underneath the massive chestnut trees and delighted in the sugary treat and hot coffee.
I snapped this next shot so fast of Gennifer and the girls, that I didn't get Hannah's face in the shot.  But I thought it was still a good photo.
The shadows were long and we were shivering from the cold.  And so it was time to call it a day and  head for home.
Thanks for coming along on our trip to Oak Glen!!!
XO  Kris

34 comments:

Dawn said...

Beautiful Kris, The apple orchards around here won't let you pick anymore, you can only buy. I think they don't want a single apple wasted. I can't believe how big the girls are getting, and i believe we have the same hair cut now. LOL I grew all the color off mine and am natural now. Your day sounds wonderful.

From the Kitchen said...

I feel as if I were right there with you--well, all except for having a pumpkin donut and coffee!! The girls are beautiful and growing up. It has been awhile since you've posted a photo (or I missed it). LOVE FALL!!

Best,
Bonnie

priscilla said...

What a beautiful day ! Those doughnuts look amazing ! Great photos of you and your family :)

Debbie said...

LOVE that place...haven't been this year, but maybe soon. Can't believe how big the girls are getting! They are sooo cute! And I love your hair that color! Soo pretty! Those doughnuts are amazing, we got some a couple of years ago on your recommendation, and oh my were they ever good! Enjoy your day Kris!

Gloria Baker said...

aaah the girls are more beautiful and bigger! OMY all of you look so good and you georgeous dear, lovely place!!

Sarah said...

Absolutely beautiful!!!! You got some amazing pictures and the area is so perfect for fall. Love that!

Deb~in~Denver said...

What a lovely day and gorgeous pictures! Thanks for sharing them with us! I'll be craving an apple donut all day!

Kelli said...

Amazing pictures Kris!
We went apple picking a few weekends ago and enjoyed some yummy apple donuts as well.

Pammy Sue said...

What fun, Kris! Your photos are great of the fam and the area. We are having cool weather too the last couple of days. Wish we had some of those donuts to go along with it!

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kris, What a wonderful way to spend a day-too bad the apples were all gone but glad you got a bag and some cider. Your grands are getting so tall-just like mine. They can't wait until they pass me up, which won't be long! O.k. so you changed your hair again and as always it looks fabulous. At first, I thought you were one of the girls. You've gone lighter-looks so good and you look so young and healthy.
Thanks for sharing; have a great day!
xxxoooNoreen

Betsy said...

What a wonderful way to spend a day. Outside with your hubby, kids and grandkids. Nothing beats that. Thank you for taking us along with you. It looks like it was a picture perfect day full of fun and laughter.
Blessings,
Betsy

Home Meadows said...

Sounds like a wonderful time. Love all your pretty pictures of both the scenery and your beautiful family. Have a wonderful day. Heather

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh Kris.. what perfection of a day! Beautiful countryside, gorgeous family, blue skies, apples and hiking and doughnuts! My absolute favorite doughnuts are applesauce ones! You rock!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

~Niki~ said...

that pic of gennifer and her family would make a great Christmas card for them! love your hair! :)
awesome pics.
I saved the one of the trees looking up. I'm gonna try and paint that one!

Mereknits said...

Kris, it looks like a perfect Autumn day, what could be better than apples, doughnuts, pumpkin pies and cute little girls. They are so adorable.
Hugs to you,m
Meredith

Gracie Saylor said...

I had such a good time with you, Kris :) Thanks!
So many beautiful photos! The Grand Girls are Grand! [and the rest of you look pretty grand, too :)] I especially appreciated the quotes, and I enjoyed you all eating the pumpkin pie, and doughnuts, too!
Blessings,
Gracie xx

Linda said...

Well look at you...
All blonde and beautiful...
That Greg is one lucky guy!!!

What a great family day you all had..

Cheers!
Linda :o)

Holly said...

Girl, you are so gorgeous! Hannah looks about 15 years old and Claire's hair is sooo long. Looks like everyone is growing up so fast, except you! Why are you looking younger? What's the secret?

Between Me and You said...

Imagine y'all having 'Glens' all the way over there!Thanks for the tour, I really enjoyed it. Exceptionally lovely family pics - all to treasure, that's for sure. I got rid of my long locks too - I was tired of the ageing hippie look and now I feel liberated! Have a great weekend, my friend. x

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Kris, your family is so darn stinkin cute! That goes for you and Geeps too!!! You've gone blonder my friend. Looks really good on you. What a gorgeous place to go for a wonderful feel of Fall! I say, forget the pie and just give me some of that cream. lol! There's nothing quite like fresh pressed cider. There's a farm down the road from us that sales it every year. I plan to buy some for our family Halloween party Sunday after church. Hope you keep having more of that perfect Fall weather. We have had it here.
hugs,
Jann

Sunny Simple Life said...

How funny. Lindsey was there the same day and brought us a jug from the same place. I can't believe you were cold and shivery. I love the way it looks up there. So pretty. You all live life to the fullest. How wonderful.

Pam said...

Wonderful photos Kris! My goodness what a beautiful place to visit. I love the shot looking up at the Sequoia trees!

Jeanna said...

Great photos and everyone looks like they had fun. Smiles everywhere...what a blessing!

Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed this post.

Susanne Tyree said...

It looks like a perfect place to have a perfect day with family. You have a lovely family, and your granddaughters are little dolls. We had cold, wet and rainy day here. I went shopping for my mom, it seemed like I spent the whole day on the go.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Genn said...

You got some great pictures!
Such a fun day.
I just love going up there.
Thanks for coming with us.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Kris, this looks like the best kind of day...thanks for sharing it! You sure are a great looking family!

Debbiedoos said...

What a fun looking day and beautiful Orchard Kris. You and your family are so beautiful. Looked like a great day.

Poppy said...

Kris,

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this beautiful excursion you had with your sweet family. Do I see a resemblance between you and those pretty young ladies? (Btw, love your hair colour and length; really suits you!). How I miss these charming North American traditions in the fall. In Ontario, we also pick apples, buy cider, taste those scrumptious seasonal pies, and go for a hayrides, too! Your photos all brought it back, very clearly!

Loved your narrative here, as well - descriptions of outdoor coziness, that led to feelings of comfort and peace within.

xo
Poppy

Unknown said...

Beautiful fun, I just love fall!

Your beautiful Kris, you really are!

Patty Antle said...

I enjoyed seeing your trip. Kris. You look great and your family pics are just wonderful. I never heard the sky color as cerulean blue - so cool! I would have loved to join in, especially for a piece of that pumpkin pie! Now that is a good helping of whipped cream - my kind of serving!

corners of my life said...

Great photos - I hope you print some of these . . .

deb said...

where is that water up there????? cool pics!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a fun and beautiful day, Kris! We couldn't find any apple orchards to visit here - we have to cross over the mountains for them. I love your orange shirt, the quotes of the stones, and all that whipped cream on the pumpkin pie--yummy!

PS: I do love S CA! The ranches and vineyards of Temecula are so beautiful!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful family....love that picture of you with Hubby!! Looks like you all had a real good time!