It's blueberry time!

One of my favorite things about summer is the abundance of fresh blueberries. Deliciousness!!!

Luci and I visited the blueberry patch this afternoon and picked two gallons. She started out as such a huge helper; picking only the bluest berries. She picked enough to cover the bottom of her bucket and then sat down and began to eat...and eat...and eat (reminded me of Little Sal in Blueberries for Sal). When she tired of eating she began to scoot down the rows on her belly, saying "excuse me" to the branches that got in her way. Needless to say, by the time we (I) had picked two gallons, Luci was filthy!!!

The bushes were absolutely loaded so I know the season will last a while...we will be back for more! I have already been on the lookout for new blueberry recipes in anticipation of the season. My Pinterest recipe board has so many tasty possibilities that we will have to go back for more berries.

I can't believe it...

...has been 3 years already!  Time has flown by since Luci joined our family!  What a precious gift she is.

She came home as a sweet, loving, quiet, timid baby and has bloomed into an adventurous, fun-loving, daring, funny, smart, and energetic little girl.  She is still very sweet and loving; she always wants to snuggle, hug, and kiss.  She is quiet around new people but is an absolute wild child around those she knows.  She says the funniest things like "Hey, hey, hey...cool it man!" or "slow down dude" if she feels you are driving too fast.  She often offers suggestions and adaptations to current plans like bedtime.  Her suggestions always end with "so how 'bout that?"  She loves to flirt and is always laughing, which is the most delightful music I have ever heard!

To celebrate our Family Anniversary or Gotcha Day we decided to get away.  We headed to Kansas City for the weekend; it's only about 4 hours away so it was perfect for a long weekend!

We arrived Friday afternoon and headed to Crown Center.  Unfortunately we arrived too late for Luci to play at Kaleidoscope (we will have to save that for another trip).  We ate dinner at Arthur Bryant's BBQ and it was delicious!

We spent Saturday at the zoo...one of mine and Luci's favorite places.  I spent a lot of time at the Kansas City Zoo when I was a kid but haven't been back in the last (I am guessing) 25+ years.  My grandparents used to take my little brother and I there quite a bit and I have fantastic memories of this zoo.  It didn't disappoint!  Luci loved it too!  At the end of the post you can see many of our favorite animals...hope you enjoy your tour of the KC Zoo in pictures!

Patience, Goat!  Your food is coming!

 

The highlight of the entire day was a ride on Ben the Camel.

 

Sunday was cool and rainy but we headed to the City Market in search of some delicious treats to bring home.  We have been eating well this week using up all the yumminess we toted home!

Each year of life as a family of three has brought many surprises, days of laughter, and countless blessings!  I can't wait to see what is in store for us in year four!