We're Jammin'

Summer is finally here and that means fresh fruit! On the drive down to Niles, I have my pick of seven different fruit stands, all advertising fresh strawberries. The grocery store has displays of canning jars, bags of sugar and boxes of pectin. I picked some up, along with a potato masher, and the clerk said "I bet I know what you're planning!"

I got home early and asked Jonathan if he'd like to make some jam with me. He said "Oh, wouldn't that be so much fun?" which I took as a yes. He dragged his chair over to the island and stood at attention. I started hulling the strawberries and handed him the masher. First he needed to taste a few - four or five - it was a good thing I bought two quarts. But eventually he really got into the mashing and there were splatters of strawberry juice everywhere.

We mixed in sugar (more tasting) and Jonathan ate the leftover strawberry mash (with sugar.) I boiled the pectin in some water for exactly one minute. I used the timer (jam-making is new to me, and I felt compelled to be precise) and Jonathan asked why the jam was going into timeout. We stirred it all together and spooned it into our jelly jars. Jonathan placed the labels on each jar, with the printed flowers on top.

So much fun, so easy and tasty! This jam beats store-bought hands down. I am developing a serious jam habit. I need another crate of jelly jars and additional freezer space. I really like handing out jars of jam to our friends, and feeling so Martha-Stewart virtuous. Jonathan is already planning our next batch. He had some blackberries the other day and asked me if he mashed them up, would I make jam out of them? I've promised him blueberry and raspberry later in the season. And cherry season started yesterday.

Send sugar!

Birthday Cruise

Well, we all had a wonderful time celebrating the 70th birthday of Jonathan and Alex's Harabojee (or Grandpa.) The party, at the same Marriott where we help our wedding reception, was a blast. Jonathan especially approved of the big fancy cake in the corner. I had to keep a pretty close eye on him, as I found him drifting over that way several times, fork in hand. He finally got a slice with a flower on it, which made him happy. He also had his first Shirley Temple, and is still asking for drinks "WITH cherries" a week later.

We crashed post-party for a few hours at Grandma and Grandpa's condo. Alex fell asleep quickly, but Jonathan would not be budged away from the pillbox collection. Sometimes that Montessori education works against us. He had to sort them into "grande and pequeno," as well as by shape and color. He found one box with a label that started with a J, and I eventually had to force it out of his hand, so convinced he was that it was his.

After a three hour nap, we dragged the boys into the airport at 4:30 AM. We got to Miami eventually, but Jonathan especially struggled with fatigue. That's an understatement. Nevertheless, we decided to take him on the ship with us. As soon as we hit the stateroom, he passed out and slept for fifteen hours straight. I sent Chris off to dinner and ordered room service while I watched both boys sleep.

The next morning, Jonathan was delighted to look out the window and see the boat was moving. He ran in to our room to share this with us at 5:30 AM. We all had a hearty breakfast and hit the pool. He had a terrific time. Swim diapers weren't allowed, but Alex dabbled his legs in the pool and eventually wound up wet to the waist. It was really nice to be out in the sun.

Over the next few days, we swam, ate and relaxed. Jonathan and Chloe really liked the kids club and spent most evenings there after a quick dinner in the formal dining room. One highlight was the pirate parade, complete with face paint and pirate headgear. The videographer made sure to place Chloe and Jonathan front and center on the stage, and they did indeed look very cute. The parade was brought to us by the number 2 and the letter "Arrrr." Hee.

Alex flirted with the entire ship, especially the waiters. They loved to bring him Cheerios and boxes of milk. He ate enormous amounts, especially at dinnertime. He and Zach liked to sit next to each other and feed each other bites of dinner. They were mistaken for twins many times. They also had fun at the infants playgroup where they got a chance to play with toys without sibling interference.

The flight back was long, and we got delayed by some thunderstorms, but we made it home eventually. Jonathan is having a hard time saying goodbye to Chris and me in the morning, especially since preschool is now on summer break. But he's happy to see us in the evening, as we all gather around the Wii and play Guitar Hero. Alex has made sure the pantry shelves are rearranged. Strawberries came into season while we were gone, so there are compensations to ending our vacation.