Eckert's

Those of you who have know us for awhile know that Jon proposed to me at Eckert's apple orchard. We have made it a tradition since that day in October 2001 to head to Eckert's in Alton, IL once a year. We always looked forward to the day when we had children and could continue this tradition with them. So this year we have kids and what do we do? Wait until it is so late in the season that we are forced to drive an hour each way, with freezing temps and lots of wind, and on a day Jon is having problems with breathing due to his asmtha. Perfect!

Once we got to Eckert's we were the only people there. They were almost out of everything. The apples were really picked over. But we made it. We didn't stop the tradition and we have pictures and a good story to tell the kids about the first time they went to Eckert's. Oh and the apples were not very good to eat raw but I made the best applesauce with them. Jon and my mom swear it is the best they have ever had and I have to agree it is pretty good. Here is the link to the recipe I used (this is my new favorite website by the way!). Enjoy!
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/09/crockpot-applesauce-recipe.html


Just in from the cold. The are in their puffer vests which are a little big and being pused up because we didn't loosen the straps on the stroller enough. Oh and you gotta love how the hats look!


We made it for the first year!!


Elaina and Daddy in the general store.


Skylar and Mommy *Notice all pictures are inside. As we pulled up I told Jon I wanted to pick our own apples. He said no way and I agreed once we stepped out of the car. The only thing that could have made this any better came true. Both babies had major poops and we had to change them in the car (gotta love the mini van) since they only had out houses here. Oh but we have stories!