It's Mango Season!

We all must admit that there is one great thing that comes with the hot season - MANGOES! I had never eaten fresh mangoes before coming to Niger, and I must say that they are absolutely amazing! So sweet, juicy, and perfect, especially on a hot day. Our family spent a few days this last week preparing and freezing dozens of mangoes. The mango season is short, just a few weeks long, and we want to have them all throughout the year. We thought you'd enjoy a glimpse into our day. It made for a great family activity. Everyone got involved, everyone had fun, and we all ate way too many mangoes along the way! It was great!

Are we ready?!! Yes, we are. Daddy mans the washing station along with his two little helpers.

Everyone pitched in...

Beautiful mangoes...

Now we're coring the mangoes, cutting out the sweet fruit, then discarding the tough layer of skin and the large seed.

BUT no seed was thrown out before getting a final cleaning by our clean-up crew, Isaiah and Anna.

Mmmm-mmm-good! Oh, wait, that's Campbell's.
Well, this is Mmmm-mmm-good, too!

Working away...

Isaiah takes a turn at cutting out the fruit. He only gets a butterknife, though. I love how serious about his job he is right here!

Here's Mommy! Check out the ghetto dish-towel head tie. The days are not only hot now, they're muggy, too. It was SOOO hot in the kitchen that I couldn't even see because I was so sweating so much. The kitchen towel was a perfect fix for that! I've had some people comment on my apron. It's very special to me, because my mom made it for me before we came to Niger. In gorgeous, colorful display, the design depicts African women and children dancing in celebration as it begins to rain. Quite fitting, I think. We have received rain 3 times since my last blog, and we have danced in celebration every time.

Now I think it's time for a mango smoothie!!!

Oh, just wanted to let you know, we are saving some mangoes in the freezer just for guests who come visit us in Niger!

Come on over - we're ready!