Mr. AppleHero

One of the greatest things about our new house is that we have our very own apple tree in the backyard.  We watched it anxiously all summer as the fruit grew, waiting to see if we would truly get full-sized, edible apples in the fall.  The kids patiently shook off the annoying beetles that plagued the tree this year, saying "Shoo! shoo!  Get away from our apples!"  When picking time arrived, they were delighted to roll out the back door and finally get to pick the apples after being told all summer to wait until they got bigger.

But the most memorable part about our first season of apples by far was AJ's discovery of his own abilities to climb the tree and be a helper.  He has a general fear of heights that has frustrated him on the tall slides at the park and on the tall inflatables at the bouncy house places.  But this tree and its low, climbable branches have held his attention all summer.  At first, he would only stand on the lowest branches if Joe or I lifted him up.  But on apple picking day, he was so excited to help that he climbed more than halfway up the tree to help us reach more fruit.  That night he said to us proudly "What would you have done without me today?  I really was a big help in picking those apples!!"  It was awesome to hear him so happy and pleased with his accomplishment.

And then came the apple cake, the applesauce, even the apple pie. Grandma Julie really spoiled us.