Making memories...

I knew that the blueberries and blackberries were now in season for picking, so I called the farm/plantation where we go and made certain we could come visit them this week. Despite the fact that the sky was overcast and the clouds were heavy, we decided to go because the temperature was mild and there was a coolness to the breeze that made being outdoors irresistible!

When we got to the blueberry plantation, the sky was heavy, but the sun would sneak a ray out here and there. With all things left behind us but the keys (no camera, no phone, no "tethers" that keep us from enjoying our time together), we ventured out to the field, got our buckets, and got busy.

About 20 minutes into picking, there began a sprinkle. We all squealed and justified the rain in that we couldn't have those beautiful, plump blueberries if it weren't for the rain.

After a few minutes of sprinkles, what seemed like a solid sheet of water came falling from the sky. We retreated to the nearby wooded area for a few minutes, and when it let up some, we went back to pickin'.

Well, another sheet of rain fell on top of us, and instead of retreating, we giggled and picked and ate and played. It was WONDERFUL!!!

We were wet down to our skin - not a stitch of clothing was left undrenched. Our hair was stuck to our faces, backs, necks... We were running and stopping every few bushes to add a few more berries to our buckets (or mouths). Squeals galore!

We paid for our berries and got into my (poor, soggy) car. Sophie immediately sprang up and asked if we were still going to the nearby farm for blackberries. MOST DEFINITELY! Why stop now?

We got to the farm, and while it was still sprinkling, it was almost over. We were driven (by tractor like a hayride) to the blackberry field. We were the only 3 people there. It was heavenly.

There in the field, in the stone silent and clean air, my babies played FAR away from the TV, the radio, the Wii...

As I picked berries as big as eggs, I heard them laughing and pretending in behind me. "Sophie, let's pretend we're in a forest finding BUGS!"

They would occasionally come up on a bug or two... a dragonfly... a grasshopper... and then begin a conversation with it.

Then they'd stop and eat some of the berries and soon enough continue with their make-believe...


What a wonderful morning to remember with my babies.


When we got back to the main part of the farm, I asked about their eggs. I got to show the kids WHERE their eggs came from, which was really nice. Only $3 a dozen, and I could literally WATCH those sweet hens playing in the grass and dirt... Free range, indeed. I love supporting people like this, and I'm LUCKY to have relatively easy access to it.


Now that the Wii is back on and the kids have already watched "Chipmunks: The Squeaquel" for the bajillionth time, can I at least be happy over the fact that they're snacking on freshly picked berries at the same time? Sure, I can.