For the first time in several years, I had the pleasure of enjoying a family trip to the apple orchard and cider mill this past week.  I had almost forgotten how the taste buds dance to the  taste of a freshly-made, still warm cinnamon donut with freshly milled cider on the side.

After Ben's trip to Mackinac Village a few weeks ago, I wanted to take my other two kids on a special trip.  Hayli, Parker and I met up with my sister, Nikki, and niece, Phoenix, for a day at the apple orchard while Ben was in school. 

I remember taking an annual family trip to the cider mill when I was growing up.  The neat thing about the apple orchards, cider mills and pumpkin patches in Mid-Michigan is that they haven't changed much over the years.

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Parker, my youngest who just turned two, was just slightly taller than some of the pumpkins we saw.  Hayli, my four-year-old, had a blast as she frolicked about.  And, yes, she actually frolics!  She also enjoyed a game of hide-and-seek.

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It was also neat to see the cousins playing together, much like my sister and I did with our cousins at the cider mill.  It was amazing to experience such a simple day out through their eyes.  It's very cool to think that these are the memories they will look back on when they are my age.

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I looked at my sister with her daughter and myself with my kids.  It occurred to me that we are in our parents spot, doing what they did.  I love my family and was proud to keep one of our family traditions going.  As I sat with my kids eating an amazing, mouth-watering donut, it hit me... we are getting old!

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