Jam Making

Today my friend Britni taught me how to make jam.  Just look at her in her cute apron that matches her pink kitchen.

We started off with the blackberries Gabe spent the night before picking out of Brian and Britni's backyard.

We needed some empty jars too.

And pectin of course.

We started off by reading the instructions.

Those told us to wash and strain the berries before we did anything else.

Then I got to mash all of the blackberries.

Luckily Britni let me borrow an apron so I wouldn't get it all over my shirt. ;)

I measured it to make sure we got the right amount.

Then it was time to add a ridiculously big amount of sugar.

We mixed it and then filled up the jars.

Now they're ready to be sealed!

So we made sure the water was the right temperature.

Then got the pot ready.

I almost dropped a few trying to get them down in there.

But eventually they were all submerged safe and sound.

So we put the lid on and let them do their thing.

Here's the finished product!

We're so proud of our work!

But while we were working this is what the boys were doing.

Resting...

and playing video games?

p.s.  Gabe took this picture, not me, this is his idea of watching the kids and now I've got proof. ;)

Carter's 2 Months Old

Here's Carter on his 2 month birthday.  Isn't he sweet?

For the occasion I decided to take some pictures of him and some 2 year pictures of Preston. 

Of course we were late for church because I wanted to get some before Preston spilled food all over himself at nursery.

Lucky for me he even smiled for me because I promised to give him some candy... that doesn't work all the time.

What a sweet boy I have.

I love his entire outfit, but his new shoes are my favorite!

I did end up getting him to smile for me for a picture or two after church right before his nap. 

and he even held Carter for a picture or two.

I have a picture of Preston that he had taken at JCPenney when he was 6 weeks old in this same outfit, I decided to try to take a similar one of Carter.

My sweet little 2 month old.

Look how chubby his cheeks are getting!

I think I got some cute pictures considering the circumstances, Carter wasn't exactly happy....

At least Preston was, that's all I can say.

Too bad Carter was hungry.

Preston really enjoyed his candy and still kept letting me take his pictures.

Silly silly boys.

Later that night Preston went to give Preston a hug, but got a little too close. ;)

It's so cute to see them together, I'm excited to see them grow up!

Today is a Sad Day

Preston learned how to open doors.  I knew this day would come sometime, but was kind of hoping it wouldn't. ;)  You would think he would have figured it out a long time ago...  I guess we'll have to get some of those doorknob covers so he can't get out of his room, or into his closet when he's supposed to be asleep!

Italiano

This past weekend we tried an Italian place in town that was highly recommended to us.  We're always open to new things and would love to have another restaurant to eat at closeby so we decided we would take the plunge when we were too hot to cook.  We decided to celebrate Gabe finishing his summer class for his Master's program.  I was so glad!  It's nice to have him around at dinnertime now.  Only one semester and one class to go, yippee!

Preston and Gabe had fun coloring while we waited for our food.

We all enjoyed the decorations, even the italian words we don't understand, it was a nice atmosphere.

And of course we all loved the food.  Look at those yummy blobs of cheese and fresh basil!

We'll definately be seeing a lot more of this place, especially since kids eat free on Thursdays!

Carter and Baby Sam

Holly and Sam came over on one of the hottest days this year!  Just in case you're wondering why Sam is mostly naked. :)

They slept at the same time...

and were awake at the same time. ;)

It's so fun to see them grow together!

Playgroups at the Beach

We went to the beach for playgroup a couple of times this month.  The first time Preston wanted absolutely nothing to do with the water, he just wanted to play in the "dirt" as he calls it.

I had lots of fun talking with friends, while Preston played with his friends.  Britni and Tesila were all decked out in their beach gear.

Sawyer "smiled" at the camera when he came close by.

As did Tessa, who was finding shells and getting covered in sand the entire time.  I LOVE her swimming suit!

Rigdon reached for my camera.  Amy's kids like getting their pictures taken and getting dirty. ;)

Holly showed up near the end and even little Sam enjoyed the water.

Sam even sort of smiled for the camera too.

Sarah and Eli came along with Holly and enjoyed the water as well.

Eli liked having his picture taken too.  Why is it that every kid does but mine?

As always Carter hung out on a towel and was asleep after not too long.

On our second trip to the beach we tried out a different spot and Preston decided he actually DID like the water.

 

He kicked his feet...

while playing on his fish floatie Grandma got him.  Check out the sand in that hair!

He kept swimming like this and kicking his legs even without the floatie.  I love how his swimming suit is filled up with air.

Of course he did find a little bit of time to play in the "dirt" as well... hence the hair.

We're lucky to have so many fun places to go in the summer!