Michigan Blueberries

This morning I took my four children to our annual July extravaganza: Blueberry picking! The five of us picked nearly 31 pounds of blueberries, with most of those now resting comfortably in my freezer. My children think blueberry picking is fun; I enjoy it also.

Someone who lives in Florida questioned why I would go out into the heat to pick my own blueberries. That's a good question, and I have several good answers.

1. The weather is beautiful. It is July in Michigan—a far cry from the oppressive humidity of a July day in Florida—and this morning was a particularly beautiful day even by normal standards. Fresh air in the open fields is good for us, no?

2. It's a great activity for the kids. They enjoy it, and it gives them a pleasant taste of the work world. It is good for children to learn how to accomplish tasks and to enjoy the reward of their labor; if they can learn this in an enjoyable environment, so much the better.

3. It's a great activity with the kids. Parents, especially fathers, should spend time with their children. This is a super way to do it.

4. Fresh blueberries are, quite simply, awesome.

5. I'm supporting the local economy, and in Michigan, how can that not be a good thing?

A Good, Clean Family Fun Idea!

Do you want to have a good time with your kids (especially if they're of elementary age)? Here's an idea: Take them blueberry picking. And really play it up before you go, too. Last Saturday I took my three girls to the local blueberry U-Pick place. I was a little perturbed at the sharp rise in price from last year, but the four of us picked about 23 pounds of blueberries together. Aside from the heat, they had a great time. I had taken the older two girls each of the past two summers, and each time, they start talking about next year's trip...on the way home in the car!

If you don't live in an area where blueberries are indigenous, try something else—strawberries, apples, oranges (for you Floridians), or even vegetables—especially if it's something your children like to eat! This is just one way to have an enjoyable time with your kids and do something productive and healthy.