Apples Anyone?

A couple weeks ago, we made our annual trip to Homestead Farms for apples. The farm is really fun and the crisp fall weather makes the workout not seem so rigorous.



This year, Orlando had to work, so my friend Nathalie joined in the fun and served as event photographer, helping us capture the fun.



We love the Cameo apples that we found on our first trip to the farm three years ago. Since they are among the last to ripen, I always try to schedule our trip for the middle-end of October. This year, the end of the season came early and I'm glad that our schedules worked out to ensure that we were able to pick on the last weekend apples were available.



Anastasia loves the process. It's wonderfully enjoyable for her because there is no question about what to pick. If you see an apple on a tree and you can reach it, go for it.



And if you can't reach it, you can always stand in the wheel barrow and stretch.



When our cart was full (we ended up with less than last year, but still brought home 40 lbs), we headed back up to the small animals. Pushing the empty cart out to the apples was easy. Pushing it back full and with Anastasia inside was a workout.



Still, it was such a beautiful day, we just took turns and sent Annie ahead to the haybales and tractor tires to play.



Anastasia loved petting the little cow and the baby goats. No surprise that she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.



Before we left, Anastasia posed for one more photo.



When we got home, Anastasia and I sorted and washed the apples, then cut up the bruised ones and made ourselves a delicious apple crisp. I couldn't ask for a better fall day.

Tiny Dancer

A few weeks ago, Anastasia started taking ballet lessons at the Joy of Motion dance studio near our house. Since she quit soccer after just 3 weeks, I was a little nervous about signing her up for a 13 week class without having a chance to try it out first. Fortunately, the studio was happy to let her take the first class without the full committment, just to gauge her interest.

One of the first things her teacher, Miss Josephine, taught the class was how to point toes and walk like a ballerina.



She was instantly hooked. Then Miss Josephine brought out the barre.



The class did some pretty stretching, where they learned about all the positions for hands and practiced pointing their toes.



When the class ended with skipping, the smile on Anastasia's face said it all.



Each Thursday she is very eager to get home and put on her leotard before heading out to dance class. Can't wait to see what the recital has to offer in December.

Peking Duck

We regularly visit an excellent Chinese restaurant in the suburbs, famous for its Peking Duck and Szechuan beef proper (I prefer to call it "beef candy".) At our dinner last night, Anastasia demonstrated the proper etiquette for preparing and eating Peking Duck.

First, carefully select a pancake. Gently apply some sauce to your pancake, spreading it thoroughly. (Notice the tongue out technique.)



Next, the duck ... don't forget the crispy skin.



Roll it up and eat.



Note, occasional drips of sauce may occur.