McClellands Critters...what a blast!

Nine of us packed up today and headed to McClellands Critters in Banks, Alabama. I had heard of this place before but for some reason had never made the trip. It's only a little over an hour from the house and after today we WILL be going back!

Here we are...


Paid for our tickets, $8 for me and $6 for each of the girls. It was bright and sunny so we also picked up a couple of visors for the girls.

Orange for Miss Abigail


And pink for EG


Located on 70 wooded acres, this place has all kinds of critters!

This guy was a character


I'm not really sure what the deal was here...somebody doesn't look happy


These guys were too busy sleeping to entertain us...I thought they were sweet


Mr Mike hand feeds the big cats


And they like it


One noisy cat


Layla didn't care for the roaring


But all in all fascinating to watch


One of the best parts of the day was the reptiles...yup, the reptiles.

It all started off with this little guy


Hands on


and on


and on


Somebody decided reptiles were cool and grabbed a couple of them


After talking EG out of the gators Mr Mike brought out a ball python

Where's it's head?


See mom!


Next came the corn snakes. EG LOVED them!


Gimmie, gimmie!


Soooo happy :)


She did share with her sister...eventually


Somehow Miss April got talked into holding this guy


Which led to me holding him


And of course Miss Megan wasn't getting off the hook!


Abigail held him too


And who looks most comfortable and at ease with a big snake around her neck? Um, yeah, EG.


Ash thought we were all nuts


Oh but they got bigger....and who was there wanting first hold? Yeah, EG.


Look at her


Then it was Abigail's turn. Seems EG was concerned it was going to land on her...


Brave girl


At the end of the tour Mr Mike asked the girls if they'd like to give Oreo, the calf, a bottle.

Of course they did!


Uhhh, this calf is strong


Really strong


Stronger than I expected


Hungry baby


You would think we'd had a full day. We had seen, held and fed several animals. Then we looked up and here come the McClellands with "BooBoo"


EG sprinted for them


I really wanted to hold this little guy


He nuzzled Abigail


I think EG would have preferred another reptile


Layla even gave him a hug


OK, OK...enough of that!


EG and L hanging out at the end of the day


Preston did not want me to get this picture. Thank you, April for the help :)


What a great day with some pretty terrific friends. Thanks guys!

Jammin'

It's strawberry season here in Alabama...I've been to the Country Best Farm twice in the last two days taking absolute advantage of it. We froze our picks from yesterday, but today...well that's a different story.

I grew up with a gardening, pickling, canning kind of mom. You would think that would make me a natural for following in her footsteps. I have to admit that I have never canned or pickled anything in my life...before today. I decided (with the help of the Pioneer Woman) to make strawberry jam with the girls. It was more fun than I could have imagined!

EG and I ventured out after she got out of school and picked these...


Of course removing the caps was all me :/


It seemed to take forever but I finally achieved this


We took a strawberry break and ran to pick Abigail up from school. It didn't take long before the girls were in full speed! They mashed...


And mashed


And mashed some more


Ahhh, done.


All measured out


Add a bit of lemon juice (please forgive the strawberry stained fingernails...I've been at this for two days :p)


EG helped squeeze


And pour it in


A bit of pectin


And 1/2 a pat of butter. The Pioneer Woman says it helps reduce the foam...


With all of the ingredients in the dutch oven Abigail ran off to make labels :)


Then it was time for homework


EG pinned on her cat tail and put on her ears and headed for the hammock


I manned the berries


Finally it was time! Out with the jars, one by one.


Beautiful


There it is!


Don't ask....


9 jars of wonderful yummyness


On toast


Mmmmmmm


The symphony of popping jars was wonderful! We can't wait for the peach and blueberry seasons!