Every year in the fall my aunt and uncle host a cider squeeze. They have an old fashioned apple cider press and invite the neighborhood to bring their apples, come help, and take home a can (or more!) of freshly squeezed and canned cider at the end. This was one of those delicious days in September that is just heavenly. I carried my camera with me and documented the event so I could share it here with you all. There were so many parts the kids could help with. Mostly they just loved being outside together and helping pick apples. It was such an adventure for their little hands!

Leaf discovery as we walk to the apple tree.

Taking out the buckets, picking apples, inspecting apples.

Gorgeous apples.

The most red apple of all (according to my 4 year old)

My dear grandmother and sweet neighbor Roberta prepping apples – giving them a quick bath in diluted bleach water, and chopping off any rotten or excessively bruised pieces.

Play time at dusk…

Working this cider press takes 3 people – one to throw in the apples, one to turn the handle which chops them up, and another to press the apples resulting in the delicious cider (you see it going down into the pot). The kids weren’t allowed too near this endeavor for fear they would reach their little hands into the moving chopping mechanism.

And the finished results! To can this fresh cider my aunt brings it to a boil on the stove, then pours the pasteurized cider into mason jars and puts on the lids. They seal as the cider cools. Then you can put these on your pantry shelf and save it to enjoy the rest of the year! We love drinking this mixed with sprite or seven up at family dinners or other events, it is a delicious treat!

What are your favorite fall traditions? Check out this fun list from Megan of some fun ideas to do with toddlers in the fall.