matalena visits the apple farm

for her 4th birthday!
I love this tradition.
Since m's birthday comes just a few days after fall begins, it's the perfect time to get into the fall mood.
We've been taking her to an apple farm for her big day since her first birthday, though difficult economic times and inflation have caused us to change venues...we enjoy this particular (cheaper) farm for its lack of commercialization.
M was overwhelmed by the gifts, being her first party with friends invited. I like to keep parties pretty small, usually inviting 4 kids for the 4th birthday party, 5 for the 5th and so on.
My Little Pony made a brief appearance at the party.
The kids were pretty impressed that I had made edible ponies to adorn the cake. I would have loved to take credit for that, but one bite would have spoilt that secret.
We went on an old-fashioned hayride...

and m really really really appreciated her birthday gift from j as we drove through the torrential downpour, at a snail's pace.
Too bad we left the accompanying rain slicker in the van!