Harvest Time

We've been busy with all kinds of things since the last time I posted. Last week, my parents went down to Oregon and they came back with a box of tomatoes for me from my Aunt Judi. She's been trying to pawn off her abundance of tomatoes on anyone who will take them. So, not quite sure what to do with all these tomatoes, I decided to try making my own canned marinara/spaghetti sauce. I embarked my mother's help, in exchange for half of the end product, since I still consider myself a newbie to canning.

But as with my experience making and canning tomato soup two years ago (again with my aunt's surplus tomatoes =), I once again found myself wondering if it was really worth it. Sure it's nice to know there's no preservatives or additives in my marinara sauce and all the ingredients were basically free (although those canning lids are not cheap!). But to give up a day for a product I can buy for $1.00 a can (or cheaper with couponing!)? I don't know. Seems like a lot of work and time to me! But I'm sure in another year or two you'll find me giving canning a try again and then wondering why I'm going to so much trouble. =)

The day after we did our canning, we got a sick bug. Abby got the brunt of it with fever, congestion, pink eye with lots of drainage, and coughing. She was up 10-12 times a night for several nights, which was very tiring for me since Kevin was gone those nights and especially since Ben is still feeding 2-4 times a night.

Couch time with Daddy for the sick girl.

Speaking of Kevin, we are enjoying the fact that fishing is starting to slow down. It is nice to have Kevin home most nights and mornings. But as happens each year, fishing comes to a close right when the cranberry harvest begins. So, every non-fishing and non-rainy day, Kevin leaves right after breakfast to head out to Grayland to work on his dad's cranberry bog. They work until dark and Kevin arrives back home around 8:30 or 9:00, just in time to tuck Abby into bed.

Two days ago, the kids and I went with Kevin so we could show Abby what her Daddy has been up to and so Kevin's parents could visit with the kids a bit.

Kevin showing Abby all the little cranberries growing on the vines.

Abby riding on the track car with Daddy and sacks full of harvested cranberries.

Abby trying a raw cranberry for the first time - she was not a fan. ;o)

And since it was such a nice sunny day, I couldn't resist slipping down to the beach (about a mile away) with the kids while Daddy was hard at work. It was pretty windy, so Ben stayed bundled up against me while Abby and I walked down to the water. It was a quick visit, but definitely worth the effort to share my love for the beach with my kids.

After the men finished their day's work, Kevin's mom made us a quick dinner. While she cooked, she set Abby up on the kitchen floor with some pots, spoons, measuring cups, and flour. Abby loved it!

Abby "cooking" with Daisy the dog looking on.