canning

So my cameras are on the blitz--The lens is stuck on one so it won't take pictures and for some reason the other camera is stuck on video and won't take a picture.

So, you are stuck with a video. This year I tried my hand at canning without mom & grandma around to help. Lance's sister gave us some raspberries from her garden so we made homemade raspberry syrup and jam. I made the syrup recipe last year but cheated and just put it in the freezer until it was used. This year I thought I would try to be more of a old style homemaker and can it. I have heard several pops so far so I must have done something right. Thought about sending some to Mom for a belated b-day gift but not sure the jar would survive the mail.

during a drive in the country--Austin was getting some drive time in--we almost hit a badger crossing the road--he was taking his sweet time going back and forth. We had to wait a few minutes for him to clear out so we could pass. We also saw a wild baby turkey.

Conner is learning the fine art of photography. This is Mason on first base during his district playoffs for Babe Ruth. His team came in 3rd and decided not to go on to state as too many players had other commitments--Mason had scout camp. He had some great games--got an over the fence grand slam and a ground rule double (his hit bounced over the fence). He was a relief pitcher and caught most of the games. He had fun.

Conner has been going to the library weekly for a summer reading program. They made homemade instruments and were a marching band in a kids parade for the 4th of July. He was very creative making his guitar out of a cereal box and papertowel roll. He spray painted it white and green and looked good.

I was trying to get a picture of Austin batting but the camera got switched to video on accident so here is a video of him batting--not too exciting--the pitch was a ball.

Not the greatest picture but Austin's 14-15 year old team for baseball went to the State playoffs. They came in 4th. Not bad for a small town. It was hot (105) and the boys just weren't into it. They could have done better--lost a few games by only a run or two. Austin did great--played second and got at least 1 single in every game--more than most of the team--they were struggling at the plate. He is glad it is over and had a fun year--He is ready to start soccer practice for the high school next week.

Austin's Eagle project--he built a firepit by the Pavillion at the back of the church. He did a great job organizing everyone. He still has a few merit badges to finish but got the project out of the way--Hopefully by Spring he will be all done.

Some Indy racecars came to town and the boys went to visit. They had simulator that they got to drive that was like driving a real racecar. Not too often you get to see this in Baker.