Tomato Juice

We had close to two 5-gallon buckets full of tomatoes picked and ready to can.  We went to GaGa and Raymonds since they have a tried-and-true process, plus necessary equipment.

Kevin headed over before I got off work and the three of them had the process underway.  I stepped in and helped at one of the stages.

Step one: Raymond cut the stem of the tomato, any spots, and in half to give to Kevin to process in the blender.

Kevin passed them to me to run through the grinder to remove the pulp and leave "clean" juice.

The juice come to a rolling boil in the big pot and then boils for 7 minutes. Raymond then puts a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of sugar (optional) in each hot jar (from dishwasher/hot water in sink) before passing to me to fill with the juice.

Kevin tightens the lid and sets on the counter to cool and seal.

Two...

Eleven...

Eighteen and one half...back ones with sugar and front without.

Such beautiful juice.  And all sealed!

Play Date with Braxton

A week or so ago, we picked up Braxton after work.  Since Camden and I had tried out the upgraded Laser Tag place in town, and the special for the evening was good, the three of us headed there for some action.

Afterward we headed home for dinner and play.  Of course, poor bandit is forced to be part of their antics.

Then they got out a new game we recently bought.  It's called "Watch Ya Mouth" and is pretty hilarious to watch.  They both put the mouth piece in upside down, but it has the same effect.

I don't even remember what the phrases were, but I still laugh to hear the attempts.

Camden's Birthday Party - Sleepover

The girls slept over - 4 in total.  They played in Camden's room, played outside, watched TV and finally conked out shortly after midnight.

The next morning, the early risers helped me make monkey bread and we all enjoyed breakfast.

All went home by 11, except Rhiahna who stayed and played games and colored until her mom came.

Camden's Birthday Party - Fireworks

We ended the evening with fireworks.  We shopped after July 4th and got plenty of extras for free with our purchase.  Still a little worried about rain, we started while it was still light outside.

The rainbow sparklers were popular.

Trying to catch the parachutes falling.  Always a favorite!

Throw in a couple of fountains.

Even Ginger wants in on the action!

More sparklers as the sun went down.

About 9pm, the various boys' families arrived to pick them up.  Some stayed to enjoy some of the fireworks.

Owen loves his baby sister, Eleanor.

Loved watching the family enjoy the show.

It was a great show and great way to end the night.