Fall Break 2015: Ellijay, GA

It's Fall, y'all!

All weekend it was cold and rainy and felt like fall. On Monday we woke up to sunshine and warm weather again.

Even though it was warm, we decided to head to Ellijay, Georgia to visit the Hillcrest Apple Orchards and Burt's Pumpkin Farm. We did a weekend trip with my siblings a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the area.

This year we visited on a Monday and the experience was a mixed bag. Hillcrest Orchards was a bit of a disappointment. I thought the website had said that the main thing we would miss out on during the week was apple picking. But in reality, there wasn't much going on at the apple orchard.

The playgrounds were fun, of course. As was the petting zoo, but the wagon ride was better at Burt's and everything else was closed (no food, no jumping pillow, no pig races, no music). The best part was definitely no crowds. That, and Jack was pumped about his apple cider cup (and we did come home with a gallon of apple cider and some local honey). 

After the orchard, we headed over to Burt's Pumpkin Farm and had a great experience. Maybe it just fits us better? 

The hayride was peaceful, and visiting on a Monday was perfect because there were very few people there (nobody accidentally photobombing my photos).

We picked out a huge (to us) pumpkin and Jack insisted on helping Daniel carry it to the wheelbarrow. 

Jack also wore himself out running through the rows and rows of pumpkins (and we didn't have to pay extra for that perk!).

After our busy day, we looked up a local place to eat. 

We decided on Appalachia Grill and followed our phones directions to the restaurant... only to discover that it didn't exist. Instead we ended up at Reverend BBQ Billy's where we partook in some excellent BBQ. Some times it pays to get lost.

We had a wonderful day and I'm so glad we had a chance to do something fun as a family.

Blog post of our previous visit to Hillcrest Orchards and Burts Pumpkin Farm.

Fall Break Recap:

Ellijay, GA   |   Stringers Ridge, TN   |  Wakulla Springs, FL   |  Tallahassee Jr. Museum, FL   |  St. George Island, FL

Play Dates

 Chattanooga Zoo

Since school has started up, I feel like we are busier than ever. Jack is learning so much already (at home and at school). 

 Creative Discovery Musuem

He is figuring out the days of the week and knows that Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday are school days. He has also learned how to count to 100 (we practice in the car, I just have to help with the 10s). 

 Chester Frost Lake

On top of learning, we are also making an effort to do fun things on Mondays and Fridays with friends who don't necessarily go to preschool with us.

The Pumpkin Patch

Play dates in September included swimming at Chester Frost lake, visits to the Creative Discovery Museum, the zoo and the aquarium. 

 Hidden Hills Farm Tractor Day

We also went to a local farm day, took a family bike ride and are always ready to hit up our local parks (The Pumpkin Patch on Signal Mountain is our favorite, though having a park right across the street from us is pretty sweet, too).

Chattanooga Aquarium 

Jack recently convinced Daniel that they should take his powerwheels car and our four wheeler to the park across the street so that they could "play tag." This involves chasing each other with the vehicles. The goal is to get close and yell "you're it" and then the other person becomes the chaser.

Neighborhood Bike Ride

Isaac also got his first, brief, ride on the four wheeler. As usual, he could care less and was content to just hang out (even though the four wheeler is loud).

 Tag, you're it.

Another new game that is a favorite at our house is walkie talkies. We had a set from years ago and Daniel busted them out and recently showed Jack how they work. We play a form of hide-and-seek in the house that involves Jack hiding and us guessing where he is over the walkie talkies. I actually love this game because I don't have to physically go look for him. Also it is fun to give him orders over the walkie talkies and he tries to do the things we say.

This week is Jack's Fall Break and while I had dreams of doing a lot of outdoor activities, the weather has not been cooperating. Instead we are enjoying having Daniel at home and getting some things accomplished around the house.

Chats with Jack ⎮ September-October, 2015

Me: Throwing [pretend] swords at people's foreheads isn't nice.

At the playground: I want to make lots of new friends.

Jack: Mommy, I wonder what peanut butter and water make.
Me: A mess.
Jack [a few minutes later, laughing]: A mess, hahaha, that's funny.

Mommy, this is a painting of lots of bird poop. 
[showed me his preschool painting - white paint on blue construction paper]

Me: I have happy boys. Are you happy?
Jack: Only when I don't get consequences.

Stinky poop smells like bad waffles.

Can we eat at the Pizza Place next to Mexico?  
[referencing El Metate, our local Mexican restaurant]

Daniel: If you're going to wee [slide on the hammock], wee gently.

What kind of joke is that?
[asked at random times, never related to an actual joke...]

Can I have the pizza cheese in the green container? [parmesan]
I love cheese, I eat quickly if there is cheese [on my food].

I need my humidity-fire.

Several years ago, my niece Izzy went through an "actually" stage. Jack is currently in that stage - it's his new favorite word. He uses it all.the.time.

Saw a picture of birds in a bird cage and was very concerned about the birds, "They're trapped!"

Me: I'm going to set a timer on my phone [for screen time].
Jack: Set it for 100 minutes.

Jack: I don't like this [gnocchi]... have I had it before?

Me: Just finish your bite.

Jack: Oh, yeah I like it.

Mommy, when will you have a day off so you can go grocery shopping?

Don't sing that song, or off with your roses! [head, Alice in Wonderland reference]

Daniel: Hey Jack, since Sophie is in  the driver's seat I'm going to let her drive the car and take you to go get pizza. 

Jack: Actually daddy, Sophie can't drive the car. 

Daniel: Why not? 

Jack: Because she doesn't have any hands.