Blackberries

This past weekend, my mom was given the opportunity by her neighbors to pick some of their blackberries. She called us and also gave us the same opportunity. So we headed to pick some blackberries on Friday night. The kids also had fun helping to pick the blackberries and also eating a few. Well as you know, the sun sets fast once it begins its decent. So we packed up and decided to come back in the morning. We slept at my mom's so that we would not have to drive back the next day. My mom and 2 aunts and I made jam, syrup and a little bit of jelly. We had blackberry shakes with our lunch as well. It took most of the day, and over 50 lbs of sugar. I am so grateful for my mom and for her help in processing all of the fruit and for letting me use some of her bottles and sugar.
We had waffles this morning and used some of the syrup, it was so good. We left the rest at my mom's, and will have to pick it up in a few days.

Picking Blackberries with Grandma

We found a huge slug

Grandma made a mess and Jared volunteered to help clean it up

My two aunts Nicci and Debby smashing blackberries for the jam

My mom said she took pictures of Andrew and Kiana helping in the kitchen, but they are not on my camera, so I will have to ask her if she for sure used my camera. Otherwise, I guess we will have to just imagine them helping.

1st Day of School

Today was the first day of school. Everyone was up and ready on time. Andrew and Jared both even got a few minutes of reading in before they left to catch the bus. Kiana did really well today without her brothers. She did not even ask about them until 11:30 am. Lucky for her it was an early day out for them. Andrew's favorite thing was not having to write in cursive and being the only one in his class to get 10 laps on the track. Jared's favorite thing was playing hot potato and art.


FYI Andrew's shirt says instant good kid.... Just add sugar.

School Haircuts

Here are the boys with their new haircuts for back to school. They wanted the longer messy look. I guess it looks okay, but I am still not sure about it. What do you think?

A Very Vivid Dream

At 5 o'clock this morning, we were awaken by a scream. Kiana who was sleeping in her usual spot on the floor by my bed was the screamer. I rolled over and picked her up. She said Jared stole her yellow shirt and she wanted it back. I finally got her to wake up and told her Jared was asleep and that she was just having a dream. I told her to lay back down and go back to sleep. That is when she noticed that she did not have a blanket. I told her to go to her room and get one and come back. Instead she goes in the boys room at starts yelling at Jared to give her shirt back. Kevin and I were laughing. I went and helped her get to her room and find a blanket. Then we went and laid back down. She slept soundly after that.
This goes to show who teases her the most. Jared you better watch out. Sleep with one eye open or something.