Berry-Picking & Jam-Making Adventures

One of the things on our "Summer To-Do List" was to go berry picking.
I had no plan on what kind of berries we'd be picking, nor what we would do with them.  Turns out, that strawberries are out of season.

So then, what is in season???.....

BLACKBERRIES!!!

Workers for this 90 degree morning:  Taylor, his friend Caleb, Lexi, and myself.

Trying to cool off after picking berries by eating ice cream made by Effurd Farms themselves!

Random Pictures Taken by Lexi

Once we got the berries home, I dreamt of making all sorts of wonderful things with them.  First on the list:  Blackberry Smoothies!

They would have been tasty, had there been no seeds.  It was so, so, so crunchy!  Knowing how nutrient-dense this treat was, I managed to consume mine.
The kids, however, took only one sip.  Sigh....

I figured the only option for these little black morsels was to make jam out of them...  So on to the next project!!!

Making Jam for the Very First Time!

After reviewing a few recipes, I decided on making Blackberry-Apple Jam, as it contained only a fraction of the sugar of the other recipes.
This time, my extra little helper was Lexi's friend, Hailey.

Our fresh ingredients:  8 cups of fresh blackberries, 3 apples, and a few fresh lemons to juice.

My brand new canning supplies!

The kids were super excited to help, which honestly...  I was a bit nervous about.
They worked incredibly well together, and did such an amazing job!!!

The first step in cooking, was to place the lemon juice with the chopped apples in a pan to cook for 5 minutes, until soft.  Then add the mashed berries and boil for a few more minutes, add the pectin and sugar mixture and viola...
 Blackberry-Apple Jam!

I was surprised how simple this recipe was...

There was not even a need to boil the jars!

Simply spoon into jars while hot, put the lids on, and wait to cool.  

They seal themselves!!!

Kindergarten Graduation and Play

Taylor and one of his best friends Brooke kept each other occupied looking at the program for the big event.......

The play and graduation ceremony for the Kindergarten class of 2011!

Lexi was one of the 8 children chosen to play a part in the play.

(I am so proud of her!) 

The rest of the Kindergarten children sang beautifully!!! 

The organization and narration of the performance by the teachers was very impressive!

Are these not the SCARIEST chicken chicken feet you've ever seen??? 

 

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but they turned out really, really scary!  They went in the trash immediately after the show.  Next time I have to make a costume, I'm DEFINITELY not going to waste my time on such a crazy project!!!  

After the children's performance, the commencement of the graduation began....

When I was in Kindergarten, there was no such thing as "Kindergarten Graduation".  I thought the idea was really, really silly; however, I have to say.....

It was PRECIOUS!!! 

 Lexi loves Ms. Moore!

 This is Lexi's best friend Hailey.

They will get to be in the same class for 1st grade too (Ms. Kittle's class).

I'm so excited for her!!!

(Although, we will really miss Ms. Moore!)

Fun Day 2011

To celebrate all the children's hard work throughout the school year,

Chapel Hill Elementary provided a Fun Day for them!!!  

The entire playground was filled with fun things from playing games and tug-a-war, to all sorts of water activities and slides.

The water activities were a MUST, as it is already in the 90's!!!  

I volunteered to help from 8am-3pm, which I really enjoyed!

The children's excitement is contagious, and I simultaneously acquired an awesome tan/burn. 

 

Here is Lexi going down the slide/jumpy house that I manned for the day.

This is her best friend Hailey sliding with her.  I'm so grateful to her Nanna for sharing these pictures with me!

Such pretty girls!  (Check out the boy on the far left.)  Lol....