Celebrating in Hickory

This is how I am able to pack for Hickory...I let this little mischief-maker do his thing. This time with curling ribbon!

We made it to Hickory with one destination in mind...Defy Gravity! Dad and Heather suggested going which was met by screams of happiness by my children. :)

The next morning, I got my wish granted...apple picking in Morganton! It was such a charming activity last year that I knew I wanted to go again this year. The girls totally agreed.

 Now this time, it was not as cool because we went earlier in the season. And turns out that when it's warmer, the rotten apples smell a lot more fragrant shall we say. :)

We had a funny tractor ride with some interesting characters and picked a HAUL of apples. We had a great time even without the picture-perfect Fall day.

Back in Hickory, we headed over to Mimi's to celebrate a very special person...Baba! She was turning 85 on Oct. 2nd so we were in town for her birthday.

Addie helped Mimi with dinner preparations...

and the girls tried on a trial horn for Addie's unicorn Halloween costume...

and then the guest of honor arrived!

Her big party was the next day, but we had a lovely dinner on the deck complete with cake.

The last time we were in Hickory close to Halloween, we went on a night walk to check out people's decorations. The girls insisted on doing this again because it was so much fun last time. Even though it wasn't even October yet, people already had Halloween decorations up!

Luke was not sure what to think of it!

Baba decided she wanted to celebrate her birthday by inviting family and friends to come out for BBQ at the picnic shelter at church. Over 50 people came to wish her well and show their love for her. She was thrilled! 

My kids love Baba, and it warms my heart to see the special relationship they have with her...

It was a great party celebrating a wonderful lady! And a fun trip to Hickory from start to finish.