The end of summer makes us a little nostalgic for that beautiful season that warms our hearts, but let’s not forget our season of colors—fall, of course. It doesn’t just bring us shorter days and cooler temperatures—no. It brings us the warm, ever-changing colors and hues of the leaves. It’s time to break out the light sweaters to enjoy the cool evenings. Above all, for many lovers of farming, fall is apple season!
I have memories—a bit hazy but very positive—of school field trips to orchards when I was very little. Everyone seemed so relaxed and joyful as they hopped from branch to branch, searching for the most beautiful apples to pick. Later, I saw friends go there with their children, raving about their wonderful family outing in the midst of an autumnal honeymoon. I couldn’t wait to do the same… I was eager, but also a little scared.
Rest assured, I didn’t develop a phobia of trees or apples after becoming a mom. I just embraced simplicity and laid-back organization to ensure my little pack’s survival. A simple little outing—nothing complicated for anyone. No doubt about it, an apple-picking trip is the perfect activity. My little fear wasn’t actually about the activity itself.
Back then, I wanted to spend some quality time with my 15-month-old daughter and my 30-week-plus baby bump. I wanted to create a beautiful moment, a beautiful memory for my baby. I was afraid she’d find it too long, afraid she wouldn’t understand why we were looking for red circles in the air, trying to pluck them from among the leaves and put them in a big plastic bag… In short, I’d forgotten just how much babies marvel at everything!
Not only did we have a wonderful day, but it’s not just the baby who’s taking home beautiful memories—Mom is too! Her eyes lighting up at the sight of apples everywhere, her first apples picked with care and placed in the bag, her juicy apple bitten into while sitting in the stroller, her eyes sparkling at the animals on the little farm… She probably won’t remember any of this when she’s 18, but I won’t forget a single moment of this first apple-picking outing with my baby girl. Even today, I hope to be able to do the same with my daughter, my son, and my 30-week-plus baby bump. I guarantee you, this was just the beginning of a beautiful family tradition during this lovely, colorful season.