Summertime Family Tradition

Every year since my wife moved across from the States to start a new chapter in both of our lives together here in England we have been strawberry picking. We usually tie it in with Wimbledon season, Pimms and of course the obligatory strawberry pie. It has become our tradition, first as a couple and since as a family. It's a great excuse to get out into the fresh air and to me it just screams old fashioned British summer.

It's the perfect summers day activity for a toddler too. The ground is soft for gaining confidence on their feet, it promotes independence if they pick their own, imroves hand eye coordination and various motor skills and all whilst encouraging healthy eating. I know the signs say no eating as you go, but it's hard to tell a toddler no when theyre stuffed into his cheeks like a squirrel storing nuts and the juice is covering everything he touches.

Alice unfortunately isn't quite on her feet and walking around yet. As much as she loved strawberries, she couldn't get involved. She came along, took everything in and enjoyed being strapped to Daddy instead. I love my time baby wearing with my little girl. We have had our struggles bonding and holding her close to me on days out like that is good for both of us. It's not the last time we go strawberry picking. It's definitely become a tradition and she'll be running around stuffing fruit into her face this time next year I can assure you. I'm just hoping that by then, Clayton hasn't grown out of fruit and only wants it in the pie. He's already showing signs.

If you want to make the pie for yourself, you won't be disappointed. You can find the strawberry pie recipe on last years blog post.

Do you have family traditions? Do you have them for different times of the year?