strawberries.

When Simon was 2 weeks old Matt went back to work. That same day I had the crazy idea to take all 3 kids blueberry picking. Because why not go out with a newborn to a dirty field, try to pick berries while keeping a close eye on 2 other young children who are running through rows and rows of berry trees?!? Fast forward a year and I've decided that I wasn't crazy at all. In fact, that was a breeze compared to taking 3 kids strawberry picking last week. Ha!

In all fairness, the kids were amazing and did a great job. It was just a little nuts trying to manage it all while attempting to bring home some berries. But we did it, had fun and now can enjoy local berries all year long!

I gave each kid a basket to fill and then bring back to me to put in the larger box. Lucy brought her basket back with 4 strawberries and then proceeded to eat them in front of me. I don't think I ever saw Carter's basket again but he was so helpful watching Lucy and Simon for me while wandering the fields. The kids had fun picking berries, running around with other kids and just enjoying the farm. 

 It was Simon who gave me a run for my money! Sheesh, this kid! I was hoping he'd fall asleep in the carrier on my back and I'd have at least 30 minutes to pick but instead he was so curious he fussed until I got him out of the carrier and let him explore. And that he did! Crawling down the rows of dirt, finding smashed berries, walking and falling down, smearing berries all over me and just loving it all. I had to have my back turned for most of it so he wouldn't grab the box of berries I had just picked. I'm sure the other moms had a good laugh watching this all go down.

 After about 45 minutes I had picked 10.5 lbs of strawberries and 3 happy, dirty kids!

 This picture doesn't even show the true amount of dirt all over his face. So funny!

 The kids also chose to pick some lettuce from the farm to bring home. We made a homemade salad that night for dinner with a strawberry vinaigrette dressing using some of the berries we picked. It was such a great lesson in farm to table cooking and the kids loved learning more about where our food comes from. I look back and think about the crazy moments but really these days are so fun and I'm so glad I get to give my kids these experiences.