blueberry picking

We've really been taking advantage of our "northwest summer options,"

as # 1. this is our first summer here

and # 2. it is unlike any summer we have ever had! 

I think the pastor wore shorts and flip-flops for the first time

 last week on our anniversary.... August 5! 

I know true northwesterners wear flip-flops year round.

This, I'm afraid, is going to take a while for me! 

San Diego summers were filled with swimming,

beach days, swimming some more,

and more beach days....

 To say the least, we have been quite chilly... so not too motivated to swim.

(I keep hearing this isn't normal, though I wouldn't know if it was or not! )

I know most of the country has been suffering from extreme heat,

so I will NOT complain!! 

 We've been swimming once in a swimming pool.... which was a great treat,

and gone once to our "beach"to sun...

(though a particular child was quite disappointed when he realized, with finality,

that boogy-boarding here is not the same as boogy-boarding in San Diego!)

 SOOO, this first summer experience has been

quite the learning curve for us all. . . 

(I'm pretty certain I will be putting Whitney in swim lessons this fall!)

Even though we have given up some wonderful things,

we have indeed GAINED some wonderful things....

 ...like lush, green forests and countrysides,

lovely camping trips and beautiful hiking,

snow peaked mountains and bald eagles,

and more u-pick berries than you can imagine!! 

We've been strawberry, blueberry, 

and raspberry picking! 

(not to mention pumpkin picking!)

The blueberries have definitely been the kids favorite....

not much bending down like strawberries,

or foraging through bushes like raspberries. 

 We went this particular day to a patch a little north of us

with some friends from church.....

and ran into even more friends once we were there!! 

 The day was nice and cool.... perfect for picking.

It showered a bit around lunch, but I think it invigorated 

Ellie and Drew, as they wanted to go back out for more!! 

 The farm was just lovely, with picnic tables near-by, 

animals, a play ground....

and a sand-box for the littles....

Abby and Whitney especially loved being with their 

girl-friends, and I was so thankful to have something that

occupied them while we continued to pick! 

We came home with about 23 lbs. of blueberries...

at $2.00 a lb.!! 

Ellie and Drew even picked a bucket for

the gal that came with us....they were enjoying it so much! 

We froze most of the berries after eating our fill of them! 

They are such yummy snacks when frozen. 

We are pulling them out to top yogurt, cereal,

and of course waffles! 

:: I sure would love to have any yummy, blueberry recipes that

any of you would be willing to share with me!! ::

Otherwise.... no telling how long I'll have blueberries

in my freezer :)