FAMILY FUN A SHORT DRIVE FROM NAPERVILLE. KUIPERS APPLE ORCHARD, MAPLE PARK ILLINOIS.

My family had a lovely morning.

Nicole (my wife), Erin (my two year old), and I took the pleasant 45 minute drive from our home in Naperville to the small town of Maple Park Illinois.

We were looking to do some apple picking.

We chose Kuiper's Family Farm.

Kuipers Apple Orchard

I was skeptical at first. I don't really like apples, after all.

My spirits were high just the same.

The day was beautiful. A perfect early fall day. Totally clear. No humidity. Highs in the low 60's. Great day for jeans and sweatshirt (I wore Illini!).

The drive was beautiful. It's nice to live close to the country. Naperville is a fairly large city (population 136,000).

The leaves were just changing. The corn was almost ready for harvest.

We arrived at the apple orchard around 10:00 am. Parking was easy and free. The admission for the orchard was $7.50. Kids 2 and under were free (Erin is two!:))

Bag of Apples

With paid admission you get a bag to put your apples, a short hay ride, and a whole lot of family fun.

Hay Ride with daughter

Erin was very excited. I think she still is.

Erin picking apples Nickie and Erin at the Orchard

The Golden Delicious (sweet) and the Ida Red (tart) were in season.

After filling our bags and eating our fill, we walked back to the Country store.

The highlight of the trip (for me) were the freshly baked donuts and coffee we bought at the store. Mmmm. Now that was delicious.

The whole trip was wonderful, easy, wholesome, and extremely reasonable!

Ken

To buy or sell a home in Naperville, call me anytime.

Ken on tractor

Posted Saturday Oct 04

( 10/04/08 05:39PM ) — Sharon Young REALTOR® Bonita Springs, Fl

Ken ... love you on the tractor! <g> Imagine pulling up to a listing on that. Your family is just so cute. You are blessed brother. Looks like a beautiful day and a nice time.

( 10/04/08 05:53PM ) — Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate

Hi Sharon. Thanks for everything.

Feeling very good. Life is good.

Thanks again,

Ken

( 10/04/08 07:05PM ) — Sigmund

Hi Ken, ironically, I had JUST read the article below yesterday....they recommend 3 apples a day has HUGE health benefits! http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/15960/apples-the-live-longer-fruit/

Sigmund

( 10/04/08 07:32PM ) — Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate

Hi Sig.

I had an apple and a half today. Enough for a year!

Thanks for reading,

Ken

( 10/04/08 08:00PM ) — Barbara Carter Ulster County Real Estate Professional

Ken- I am so glad I had time to get on tonight and check out your blog!! As always a fun, uplifting post. Erin is getting so big- She is adorable!! Yep, I love the tractor too! Great pictures- Great attitude! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

( 10/05/08 07:37AM ) — Michele Hess, Simply Staged Inc.

Ken, love this time of year and the trips to the orchard. We are headed to a nearby orchard today. Can't wait for those freshly baked donuts you speak of. Isn't it curious that each time I go to an orchard the line for the donuts is MUCH longer than the line for the apples!!! Glad you had a great family day! Enjoy!

( 10/05/08 09:24AM ) — Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate

We have an apple orchard that does similiar things, we use to go every year when the kids were little. The wagon stopped away and let the kids pick up a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. It was fun. Love the photos so casual and fun.

( 10/05/08 09:39AM ) — Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate

Hi Barbara, Michele, and Missy. Thanks for reading.

Erin had a great time. She adventured all morning with a big apple in her hands.

I love fall. Best time of year.

Thanks again for stopping by,

Ken

( 10/05/08 11:15AM ) — Scott Cowan -Tacoma & Pierce County Area

Ken- Good to get out and do fun things with the family. I agree you could pull up to a listing on that tractor and make quite an impression.

Best,

Scott

( 10/05/08 04:38PM ) — Don Rogers REALTOR®, CRS O'Fallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Alright Ken, Now I have to get out and do this. I was just thinking about doing this just this week. Think I'll take my flip video camera with me.

( 10/05/08 07:50PM ) — Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate

Hi Scott and Don. I hope you do get out there Don.

Scott, the picture on the tractor came out well.

Thanks guys,

Ken

( 10/06/08 07:27AM ) — Lorrie

Thanks for sharing pics of your fun day at the apple orchard. Fall is a beautiful time to get out and enjoy the beauty of the season. Very cute pics of the family!

Mom T.

( 10/06/08 08:33AM ) — Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate

Good morning Lorrie. Nice job figuring out the commenting. You would have loved the farm!

See you soon,

Ken