Winding down our summer!

Summer is almost finished for the year....The first day of fall is coming fast at the end of this week.  Here in Illinois, we have had an abnormally hot and dry summer.  For most of our area, we had drought like conditions. We actually spent a lot of time inside this summer.   
 Ieshia, spent most of her summer with family in San Antonio, TX     She had an awesome time!
                                   

   I'm so glad she was able to go!!
Derek and Emily spent a lot of their time in the pool...

  Also spent time int eh little pool with Blaize and Lyndie!  They were great helpers his summer!

       Blaize and Lyndie had a wonderful time too!

                                                                                       
        We also spent a lot of time fishing.....
I'm amazed that Derek and Emily love it so much!

     It wouldn't be summer in Illinois, without a demo derby or 2.........(Great job Kirk Robb)

        Summer wouldn't be complete without the great salads made form the freshest garden produce!  What a hit this salad was!

         I made one at home for Sunday lunch, and made another one for a church potluck....both times came out with an empty platter!   Topped it off with my semi-homemade creamy Italian dressing!
     Late in July, we started canning.  Yes, I said "we" cause I really appreciate all the help that my family gives me!   My MIL,Debbie, does a lot of the prep work....                             

      My best kitchen helper, Emily, is an amazing little worker....so fast!

She even works in the garden!!

         My two favorite men, my husband John, and my little man, Derek.  They do a lot of the picking and whatever else I ask them to do!

              Derek was always the one that I sent out to pick me a few onions.   He would sit outside and clean them also!!  Great Job Derek!!
     Trust me when I say that we had a lot of produce!  Thanks to my MIL and her watering the garden almost every night!  Also to the Springers for sharing some of their garden goodies and to Gary for some tomatoes!

green beans

cucumbers

squash and zucchini

cherry tomatoes

green onions

John, standing behind one of our tomatoe plants!  They were huge!

Beautiful cherry tomatoes on the vine!

Tomatoes

and tomatoes

and more tomatoes!

red, white and yellow onions

yummy pears

yukon butter gold potatoes

Green beans

apples

pickled beets

     It was a lot of work, however my pantry is full of goodies!!!                   

apples and pears

tomatoes

cinnamon pickles

salsa

dill pickles

yummy pears and apples

bread and butter

apples butter and jam

pickles beets

               This year we were blessed. I have canned tomatoes, salsa, stewed tomatoes, cinnamon pickles, dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, pickled beets, pears, apples, apple butter, apple jam, peaches, and peach preserves! In the freezer we have put up sweet corn, green beans, freezer pickles and more apples.
Wow!  What a wonderful harvest!  Thank You Jesus for supplying our needs!