Berries & More

~ Another first ~

 for Joy 

The annual trip to the berry farm was delayed and the strawberries missed. 

We made it for blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. 

And, all, enjoyed the day.

Picking Blackberries. Stealing Blueberries.

 Running through the fields

Tree Climbing

The barn

Taking a Cold-Sarsaparilla break

To enjoy the fruits of our labor, we all worked together to make a Triple Berry Crumb Topped Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert during movie night. 

A blessed little visit

My 13 year old brother, Joel, visited us for just over three weeks this summer. We had such a sweet time with him. We celebrated the 4th of July, caught lightening bugs, roasted s'mores, went to the movies, fishing, washed cars, attended VBS, made a trip to Washington DC and created wonderful memories. He, Kya & Autumn all caught their first fish, rode the metro for the first time and had their first slumber party staying up late in pj's and watching movies even after mom and dad were asleep. It's hard to say goodbye, but we enjoyed our visit and look forward to next summer.

Here are the photos from our last fishing trip to celebrate Joel's 14th birthday.

Gone Fishing

The weather has been unbearable. The temps have been in the 100's (102-120) in the afternoons. We had planned to go to the beach on Monday, July 5th but thought better of it. Instead Dale took the kids to Wally-World (Walmart) for new fishing poles & supplies. (I found live worms in my fridge later...yuck!). That night when it dropped into the 90's, we headed out for a picnic and fishing (and no the worms were not our picnic dinner.) :-)

Down on the Farm 2010

We made our second trip to Clark Eliok Farm. Last year we went for Lily's birthday, this year for Aaron's birthday/4th of July weekend. My little brother Joel is visiting and was able to go with us. Lily & Aaron rode their first pony and we were able to enjoy the hayride this year. You don't want to miss the picture of Lily kissing the goat!

Another June Hike

Hiking with the kids in the Patapsco Valley, along the river, followed by a picnic under a tree and a good book in the shade.











~This beautiful part of the valley is just about 3 minutes from our home. This is also the same site we took our "snowy hike" this winter. ~

My Sweetheart and I

Dale and Dawn after the I Will Rise concert.

Strawberries 2010

This was our second year going to the fields and we enjoyed it even more this year. The weather was beautiful, the kids helped more and the berries were oh, so yummy & the jam turned out great.

A Wintery Hike