More Berry Picking

The three of us decided it was time for more berries. So... we went to our local berry farm once again, and this time picked tons of raspberries. Carolyn is even better at raspberry picking than she is at strawberry picking. Not only that, but she mastered the art of eating as she went. By the time we left the raspberry fields, she was covered from head to toe in red juice. Before we left we also picked up some blueberries and some sweet corn that I've been craving. Also... some ice cream. Because after the hard work of picking we needed ice cream.

Now we have a housefull of berries. It's really pretty remarkable. I've frozen a bunch of them so far. This morning we had raspberry buckle for breakfast. Sometime today or tomorrow I want to make up a few batches of blueberry muffins to indulge in ourselves and share with some friends and neighbors. Who knows what else we'll come up with. Does anybody have any good recipes for blueberries and raspberries?

Our Raspberry picker. 

Yum! 

In the thick of it. 

A full load! 

Andy instilling into Carolyn a love for large machinery. 

For Andy

Andy wanted me to show you all that he got the truck really, really messy on an off-roading adventure last weekend. This is Andy's happy truck.

Dirty happy truck returns home 

Triumphant Happy Truck 

Goobermobilers

That's right... We have now joined the ranks of the Goobermobilers. We found that with Carolyn's stroller or backpack stashed in the Neon's trunk, it was difficult to fit things like groceries into the car without having to stack them beside Carolyn's carseat--leading of course, to her playing with groceries all the way home.

With hopes to expand our family unit (no--no announcements yet. Relax!), we decided it was time to take the plunge and get a Goobermobile. The best part? We bought it at Ace Hardware. Yes, I'm serious! They do have more than just powertools!

I do miss my little Neon's flames... But we love our new Goobermobile.

Ta-da!!! The new van (AKA--The Goobermobile) 

Random cuteness (She's growing up so fast!) 

A New Park--and a King Slug

Andy had a four-day weekend this last weekend, and we decided to go for a 'walk.' Upon locating the paved trail that we thought we would follow into our favorite little town, we discovered a whole new park-system of trails that we didn't even know existed. So... we took the stroller off-roading. It was during that trip that we found the "King Slug" pictured below.

We quickly realized that their were trails that were a little too rugged to be explored with a stroller, so we took a second trip their yesterday--this time with the backpack. We explored lots of trails with fun names like, "Confusion," "Escape," and "Long Gone." Carolyn even hiked a bit herself. She also proved to be very helpful at navigating.

There are many more trails that need explored, so I'm sure we'll be back there soon!

Hiking hand-in-hand. 

Carolyn helping Daddy navigate. 

Dancing Madrona Trees. 

Long day on the trails. 

The King Slug. 

Kite-Flying

We took a trip to the gun battery at one of the local forts here. The park there has tons of room to fly kites. Andy and Carolyn had a great time flying our cheapie little pocket-kite.

Please note--the first picture of the terribly mismatched outfit was simply an attempt to keep my child warm on a chilly day before we located her coat. But... I think she's adorable even in mismatched clothing, don't you?

Perhaps a visit from the fashion police was in order? 

Lots of room to run. 

Carolyn helping Daddy fly the kite. 

See the little speck of a kite way out over the water?? 

Visit with the family

Aunt K, Uncle Larry, and Luke met C and I at this beautiful lighthouse, the last day of Andy's det. It was Uncle Larry's first official meeting of Miss Carolyn, and I don't think she disappointed him. We had a good time, aside from me arriving a little frazzled.

Carolyn latched onto Luke who was then officially dubbed an 'Uncle.' They had a wonderful time playing together, jumping up and down stairs and being rowdy altogether. Carolyn was thoroughly worn out after the visit as a result.

They tell me that they feel responsible to make sure that Carolyn becomes warped.... I must say I don't think they have anything to worry about. Andy and I might have some folks fooled, but we've got the warping covered. However, every little bit helps, suppose!

It was a good day. We are so lucky to have such a great family!

Luke, Larry, Kathy, and Carolyn

"Uncle" Luke and C. (The flag in the background is in no way a representation of my cousin's support of the current administration--I feel he would want me to say that. heehee).