One of our most favorite things to do every summer has been to pick blueberries, and we were hoping when we moved to Texas the tradition could continue. We were very happy when we discovered not only blueberries, but strawberries and blackberries too!
Because of the difference in climate and temperature, the growing and picking seasons are earlier in the year. We missed strawberries while I was having the baby, but we were just in time for blackberries--which happens to be a huge family favorite, and my personal favorite as well.
We found the cutest farm about 30 minutes away, and couldn't wait to go and check it out. We weren't disappointed...it was perfect. We stepped into their barn, and found a mini farmer's market, in addition to everything we would need to pick our own berries. We were each given our own bucket, and then grabbed a wagon from the side of the barn.
We had to walk a little ways to get to the blackberry bushes, and before we got there, we came to a really fun play area with gigantic slides, and a huge tire swing. We decided to play before...and play after!
Jack and Henry were in charge of pulling the wagons...something they took very seriously.
We got to the bushes, parked our wagons, and started picking. To our surprise, the berries were HUGE. Seriously gigantic. We're talking almost 2 inches in height, and so big that our kids could barely fit them in their mouths, and much different than what you find at the grocery store!
We piled into the car with our loot, guzzled about a gallon of water each, and talked about all the things we were going to do with our blackberries. Jam, cobblers, and pancakes were all on the list.
But what goes best with blackberries???
Ice cream!!!
We can't wait to go again!
Because of the difference in climate and temperature, the growing and picking seasons are earlier in the year. We missed strawberries while I was having the baby, but we were just in time for blackberries--which happens to be a huge family favorite, and my personal favorite as well.
We found the cutest farm about 30 minutes away, and couldn't wait to go and check it out. We weren't disappointed...it was perfect. We stepped into their barn, and found a mini farmer's market, in addition to everything we would need to pick our own berries. We were each given our own bucket, and then grabbed a wagon from the side of the barn.
We had to walk a little ways to get to the blackberry bushes, and before we got there, we came to a really fun play area with gigantic slides, and a huge tire swing. We decided to play before...and play after!
Jack and Henry were in charge of pulling the wagons...something they took very seriously.
We got to the bushes, parked our wagons, and started picking. To our surprise, the berries were HUGE. Seriously gigantic. We're talking almost 2 inches in height, and so big that our kids could barely fit them in their mouths, and much different than what you find at the grocery store!
We were seriously hot and sweaty. Poor Henry's little face was totally red, despite the masses of sunscreen we rubbed onto his skin. I was seriously regretting my decision to keep the girls hair down--it was making them so hot, and was totally damp and frizzy. I learned my lesson on that one! Despite the hot weather, everyone was having a good time, and intent on picking a lot of berries. There was also some tasting involved...of course. ☺
Once our buckets were full, we headed back to the barn to get them weighed.
Guess how much we picked??? 17 pounds!!!
But what goes best with blackberries???
Ice cream!!!
And this little baby? She was a perfect angel! I carried in the front pack while we were picking, and she slept the whole time. ♥
