Berry Picking and Water Baby

I can't believe it's almost August. Oregon Summers are undeniably the best. I'll take a perfect 80 degree (or even 90 degree) day with a glass of icy lemonade on our fabulous new deck that Mike built--all by himself!

Summer means plump juicy berries, fresh fruit from the farmer's market and tomatoes from our garden, sprinklers, backyard fun, hikes, bike rides, ice cream and that perfect robin egg blue sky.

Collin and I went berry picking for the first time at Krugar's Farm in Sauvie Island. The marionberries were the biggest hit, they were perfectly ripe and tasty. Collin's outfit and face were soon covered in purple juice. He was also in blueberry ecstasy but it took him a while to figure out the green ones weren't quite ready for picking. My plan of getting flats of berries didn't amount when I realized how much time it takes to actually pluck them. We bought some fruits and veggies from the market store at a total bargain--if it was a little closer I'd do more shopping there! 80 cents for a melon, 50 cents for a cucumber, $2.50 for a pint of blueberries!

From Summer 09

Later Collin cooled off in his wade pool. He loves the fountains at the park with the water blasting in every direction. His pool is a smaller version of fun. We've also been doing swim lessons to get him more comfortable with the water. Maybe next year he'll be ready to learn some actual swim moves. And of course he had to be naked. Who can resist the delicious little rolls of fat and that pale baby bum! (I'm sure he'll love that I published this when he's a teenager).