Canning Tomatoes

These are the tomatoes we have gotten so far from our garden. There are lots of greens ones still trying to ripen up. But for now, we had so many ripe at one time, I decided to show the kids how to can them. Klara helped with the blanching process. She LOVED peeling them.

Kaleb was thrilled to do the cutting parts. He was being super careful with the knife.

They were a HUGE help to me. They even helped with the cleaning. What a fun time we all had. When we were done, hearing them "pop" was the best part...a celebration for each one. We ended up making 11 pints. I can't wait to see if we are able to can the rest of them once they are ripe.

I told the kids that we could make applesauce and jam too. They were ready that night to just go to the store and buy what we needed. They need to learn we wait for great sales b4 we just buy. Guess we are still working on that.

Harley Rental

For his birthday, Clif rented a harley to ride with "the guys". He got it the evening before the big ride, so both kids and myself got a quick trip on the back. The kids loved it and I have to admit, so did I. Now he is off for the day, an exciting trip with minimal time on the freeway. I'm sure he'll need ice packs later tonight.

Deer Farm

The kids have been earning "Backey Bucks" this week for good behavior when it comes to doing school. Kaleb does 2 sessions of school per day and Klara does 1. So Kaleb needs to earn a total of 8 bucks by Friday and Klara 4. Then they get to "redeem" their bucks for family fun day on Friday. This will be something we don't usually do. I have many ideas and earlier this summer, we won 4 tickets to the deer farm. Hence, today's trip. I think it's been about 6 years since we went last and Klara was just a baby in a stroller. It was fun taking the kids again and seeing thier new way of liking it.

Yes, they have goats too.

Kaleb was brave to feed the deer...they just all come up to you and some of them are as big as the kids. I would be nervous too.

"Reindeer"

Klara was a bit nervous with the deer all being taller than her and sticking their noses in her food cup. I picked her up and she finally warmed up to them. She fed them the deer food and eventually I was able to put her down and she could feed them herself. (Notice Kaleb in the background getting video of all of this)

Other Pics and Daisy

An updated pic of Daisy

Klara and Kaleb holding a daycare baby and loving it.

One day from our garden. We have this every few days.

Clif's 36th B-Day

On tv for his b-day thanks to my folks. The kids "decorating" his cupcakes.

The result. Just tilt your head....opps.

His b-day loot. What you don't see here is his upcoming harley motorcycle trip he is taking this weekend with "the guys". Pictures will follow next week of that.

Time to blow out their own candles since the b-day boy is sick.

Smores, Wolf Pups, & Hands

Our family met up with our friends who were nearby our house camping. Since the fire restrictions were just lifted, smores were ordered!! Mmm! Another trip to Bearizona. Why not? We have a season pass and can go now for free! Now they have wolf pups. Oh soooo cute.

We went to my parents house for our "vacation" this year and to see fireworks. While we were there we had a small b-day party for my dad. Our gift to him was the makings for concrete steps. Catch was, he got to make them with the kids. Here are the results.

Update

Family pic of my side of the family outside in their yard.

Pics of the kids.

Kaleb's minors baseball team this year.

Klara's T-Ball team.