Trip to The Black Hills

Here is a run down of our trip to the Black Hills last week. The first picture Matthew was practicing for his senior pictures. Not really, but it totally looks like one!
Stopped at Needles Highway and the kids (and us and grandma and grandpa) did some climbing on the rocks.
I must really like this picture since I posted it twice. Totally an accident, but I think I'll leave it.
We also took a detour to Devils Tower. The kids each became a Junior Ranger there. They loved it!
Matthew with the ranger that we meet hiking around the tower.
The kids gave carrots to the donkeys in Custer State Park. Matthew would roll up his window any time we saw any other animal besides a donkey. He thought the other animals were going to come through the window and bite him. Little does he know that the donkeys are the ones that would actually do that to him!
Did lots of hiking. Todd took us on a 4 mile hike that Matthew walked the whole way. Abby had a shoulder ride most of it. :)
We also went to the Mammoth Site in Host Springs were the kids got to dig for mammoth bones. One of the highlights of there trip! Matthew "found" a bear skull.
Looking a little more innocent than she actually is!
Todd went out with my dad one day and came back with some fresh picked flowers for Abby. She thought that was just great!

Strawberry Jam

Step one- Pick Strawberries and remove the green leaves and stems.
Step two- Mash strawberries with a potatoes masher. Its easier if you cut them a little first.
Then put strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, a little butter to prevent foaming, and the pectin in a pot a cook according to directions in the pectin box. Then using a canning funnel put strawberry mixture in the jars. Be sure to wipe off the rim and outside of jars really good before putting the lids and rings on.
Then fill the canner with the jars and boiler for 10 minutes.
Thats it! You just made jam with me!