Apple Hill

This weekend we went on our annual trip to Apple Hill with Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Melissa. We drove to Sacramento on Saturday and spent the night at their house, then woke up early Sunday morning in order to beat the crowds to Apple Hill. We always start at High Hill Ranch, which is the most popular one and is nearly impossible to get to after about 11:00 a.m. We arrived right when it opened at 9:00 and it was already crowded! We enjoyed our delicious apple donuts (Gabe had especially been looking forward to these) and then we ventured out to the pony ride. Luckily there were not a lot of kids in line so Lucca only had to wait for a few minutes. I couldn't believe that it now cost $6 to ride a little pony around in a circle for 5 minutes! We are going to be in the trouble next year when Siena is able to do all of these activities, too! After the pony ride we walked around and checked out the craft faire, trout pond, and then after purchasing our apples and gourds we decided to move on. We went to a cute little pumpkin patch that we always go to and this year there were not a lot of pumpkins left so we had to search really hard for the perfect pumpkin! After the pumpkin patch we went to another apple farm and had a picnic lunch. At this farm, they had pony rides, too. The difference was that these ponies actually were led around the entire ranch as opposed to going in a circle (much more exciting, and more of a bargain at $10). Of course, once Lucca saw this pony ride she had to go on it, so off we went on another pony adventure! There was also a neat little kids craft area where they got to pick different crafts to make and take home. Lucca decided to make a candy cane ornament for our Christmas tree and she had a blast using the paint and glitter to make it. We ended our day at Primus Vineyards to do a little wine tasting. It was a beautiful winery with a really neat play structure for kids and beautifully landscaped grounds where you could come out and enjoy your wine as you were tasting. It will definitely become a part of our apple hill tradition to hit this place up! It was a wonderful day and we couldn't have asked for better weather! We are already looking forward to returning next year!

The first pony ride at High Hill Ranch

The "real" pony ride!

Making a craft at Honey Bear Ranch

Siena checking out our pumpkin

Lucca posing with the Whirlies at the craft faire

Enjoying a picnic lunch in the apple orchard

Here is what I saw about 20 minutes after we left Apple Hill to drive back home. Both girls were completely passed out! They napped for most of the drive home!