Strawberries in New Zealand

(Nathan took this photo - it's not just one I found off the Internet.)

Around this time of year I get really excited for strawberries. Every couple of days I go to the grocery store to look at the strawberries. They're just not looking so great this year. Maybe it's because 3 months ago we were here. . .

picking these. . .

(Again, Nathan took this photo. Is your mouth watering yet?)

We had never been to a berry farm before. This farm had strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and other fruits I can't remember. You could pick whatever you want, and then pay for it all after. I think they do it wrong. They should weigh you first and then weigh you after you're done picking, and charge you for what you gain while you are there!

They were the reddest, biggest strawberries I have ever seen!! They were unbelievable! And oh so delicious.
Picking them went something like this, "Two for the bucket, and one for my mouth."

I think that's what everyone was doing.

Aren't these two cousins cute!!?? This was one of the few times they weren't fighting. (It was such a love hate relationship between Malachi and Tama (Elijah). They are only 3 months apart, and didn't like having to share the "baby" of the family position)

And don't even get me started on the raspberries!!! They were my absolute favorite!! It was so calming, almost therapeutic, to be out in the sun picking them right off the bush. Nathan had to drag me away from them.

Here was our harvest. . .

I am drooling thinking about those fresh strawberries and New Zealand ice cream!!
P.S. This was mid-December in Ohauiti, New Zealand. I have decided not to try and post about the trip in chronological order. It was just too much for me. So, I'll do a little here and a little there, and together we'll get through this. :)