The past few years I've tried to start my own tradition of going to visit Shelby & co. in September. It's just about the perfect time to be in New England - at the tail-end of summer, starting to get cool and fall-ish, and time for apples in the orchards.

The past few years I've tried to start my own tradition of going to visit Shelby & co. in September. It's just about the perfect time to be in New England - at the tail-end of summer, starting to get cool and fall-ish, and time for apples in the orchards. This year many family members came because of the baptism of Jack and Mary, so we had a great crowd for apple picking. We like to visit Russell Orchards in Ipswich, Mass. You take a hayride on a bio-diesel tractor out to the orchards, purchase a bag, and wander the orchard filling your bag with a variety of apples. Russell Orchards also has a great store and bakery where they make and sell fresh cider donuts - they are almost my favorite thing about going apple picking, and I can't leave the farm without having one!

Lovely Mary had a diaper blowout and had to be changed in the middle of the orchard.

Lovely Mary had a diaper blowout and had to be changed in the middle of the orchard.

Jack's cousin Ben (& Jen & Adam) joined us to pick apples.

Jack's cousin Ben (& Jen & Adam) joined us to pick apples.

Papa helping Jack try a tart apple.

Papa helping Jack try a tart apple.

Mike and Nick can't hold out any longer and have to check the football scores.

Mike and Nick can't hold out any longer and have to check the football scores.

We got a lot of apples, and later that night made a delicious Paula Deen apple crisp! Yum!