.....very rarely do I miss a fall pick and now I can add to the yearly bucket list that I will rarely miss a summer pick either.......
....we added strawberry picking to the many things we love about the burbs, as it was a quick 30 minute drive north......we weaved through hills and ooh'd and agh'd at the green vegetation......we loaded up 5 sunblocked babes, all dangling their empty baskets; excited with anticipation and hitched a tractor ride out to the fields.......
.....it was such a fun day trip to do with our Texas cousins, as they don't get these opportunities during the hot Texas summers......although on this particular July day, the state of CT rivaled the Texas heat.....my little northeastern bred babes managed to keep up with their Texas cousins and ignored the fact we were in a heat wave.....water bottle, pop a few strawberries, pick, drink, strawberry, repeat......
......our visit to the fields happened to fall on the last day of the season; so the berries were small, yet sweet......and with a little instruction on how to scope out the best ones, the kids were off to collect summer's sweet candy......
....some of us clearly worked hard and took our job seriously.....
.....while others of us only carried a few berries at once to add to the group's collection......
....the red fingers are a dead giveaway of why his basket would not stay full.....
.....despite the squirrel of the group, I was surprised at how instantly family time took place on the farm.....yes, we had good cousin, aunt and uncle time; but I also noticed that we had these great quality moments with our kids around us while we all picked.....easy conversation, abundant giggles and moments when I stopped to inhale the scene because I am enjoying this phase when we all love and cherish the time we spend together......
.....and for the record, I think we could actually pull off being farmers......
.....our abundant supply gave us 12 pounds of strawberries......I definitely would not have been able to creatively serve so many ways to eat them without the help of pinterest.....
.....I made strawberry salsa with baked cinnamon chips one day, we devoured this fantastic dessert for our Fourth of July BBQ , and we have tried every type of smoothie known to the man......the kids have had a sprinkle of berry on pancakes, yogurt, cereal and ice cream......needless to say, no one has gotten sick of them.....there is nothing quite like farm to table eating and I am ecstatic to pick raspberries and peaches before apple season is upon us this fall......
.....this post was also a good topic to introduce a new sponsor to this blog, MommyJuice Wines......created by a mother of two, MommyJuice Wines are fruit forward wines that offer a chance to enjoy a good glass of wine after the chaos of a busy day......and I love the opportunity to support Mom owned businesses.......
.....having family in town was a good opportunity to try both the fruity chardonnay and the full and rich red blend, both of which were outstanding......come November when this little one has made its grand appearance, I certainly will look forward to a full glass while I sit by a fall fire and count my blessings.......but for now, you will have to take my word for it from the sipping I did off my sister in law's glass.......
.....this week, MommyJuice Wines is offering one reader two stemless goblets that are perfect for the end of the day retreat when every Mommy needs her break.....grab your husband, your best friend, your sister, your neighbor or your co-worker and toast to the second half of summer......
.....cheers!......