Visit with Nana Sue and Grandpa Ken

Day 243/365
Such a fun weekend visit to Germantown to see Nana Sue and Grandpa Ken! It was a perfect way to finish off our summer vacation.

Growing Up

Day 242/365
When did she become so grown up?!? Sigh. I still think of her with a binky in her mouth, snuggling in my lap, singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." She was small enough for me to pick up and cuddle and rock to sleep at bedtime. She still likes to snuggle, though, so I guess she's not so grown up after all.

Windy Evening

Day 241/365
I met some friends at the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota to take some family pictures before the holiday weekend. It was a wee bit windy by the water.

Garlic Blossoms

Day 240/365
Garlic blossoms found at Olbrich Gardens in the Herb Garden.

Barn Wood

Day 239/365

Waiting for the Sun

Day 238/365
A sunflower waiting to open.

Swimming Weather

Day 237/365

Life is Good

Day 236/365

The Celebration of 12 Years

Day 235/365
I have been so busy taking pictures for others that I haven't taken much time to take pictures for myself. I have been having a blast, though! This picture is of Josh and Janessa, celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary, along with their 4 year old son. We visited Blue Mounds State Park to take pictures of their family, and we were all thankful that the rain cleared off so that we could enjoy the evening. They were all gussied up and looked fantastic! I had a wonderful time with their family and feel blessed that I could be a witness to their continued commitment to one another.

Chubby Cheeks

Day 234/365
Absolute baby perfection!

Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy

Day 233/365

Crumbs

Day 232/365
We did a little hiking at a local conservancy this afternoon and stopped at our favorite bakery (which happened to be just down the street) for a treat. This was all that was left after Jevin demolished his chocolate-covered doughnut. Yum!

Pictures at Donald Park

Day 231/365
Oh, the faces kids make! I absolutely love pictures of kids making funny faces - they just make me giggle. And this one is no exception! I joined our friends at Donald Park tonight to take pictures of their three kiddos. They did a stellar job, and I have a ton of great portrait-style pictures for their mom and dad to enjoy. But I have to admit that this one is probably my favorite. I was talking to this little man while taking his picture, asking him questions and just watching him make all kinds of faces at me. As I was waiting for the shot I was looking for, I captured some absolutely precious expressions. I'm not sure if his parents will appreciate this one as much as I do, but I do think they will like the picture below, with all three kiddos.

Love those great big smiles! One of the kids told me that his cheeks hurt from smiling so much about half-way through the session. I think that's a pretty good sign that we had fun.

Butterfly Flutterby

Day 230/365
I spent some time watching this butterfly flit from flower to flower, finding just the right spot to draw nectar. It was quite intent on it's work and didn't pay much attention to me. I love the bright, vibrant colors of it's wings, contrasted against the green grass.

Fresh Tomatoes

Day 229/365
Today was a catch up day: unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, mail sorting, and produce picking. The garden has done well while we were gone. We have lots of fresh tomatoes, as well as peppers, cucumbers and zucchini. I also picked the last of the green beans today. I'm looking forward to coming up with some recipes to use up all of these yummy, fresh veggies.

Climbing Clematis

Day 228/365
We continued our journey home today and stopped to visit family just south of the Twin Cities. We had a lovely visit, which was long overdue, and spent the sunny afternoon together. I walked around their yard, taking pictures of the flowers and this is one of my favorites. We were all glad when we pulled into our driveway after the long drive.

Last Day at the Lake

Day 227/365
It was a beautiful morning, so we decided to take advantage of the great weather and squeeze in on more outing in the boat. The kids have especially enjoyed tubing this summer, and everyone had multiple turns today. This was Jevin's first run on the tube today and the smile on his face tells you just how much fun he was having.

Comic Books

Day 226/365
The kids love reading through the comic book collection at Nana and Granpa's house.

Strawberry Blossoms

Day 225/365
Grandpa's strawberry plants continue to bloom. It looks like he'll have some ripe strawberries to enjoy soon, as long as he can beat the wildlife.

Taps

Day 224/365
Grandpa Bruce, playing Taps at sunset.

Splashes and Laughter

Day 223/365
The cousins have so much fun together. I love watching them joyously fling themselves into the lake with shouts of laughter.

Baptism Service

Day 222/365
We had the privilege of attending the baptism service for our nephew and two of our nieces today. The rain held off just long enough for the service in the lake and it was a treat to see so many members of our extended Minnesota family. It was a beautiful moment to share, watching these young people declare their dedication to the Savior.

Fisher of Men

Day 221/365
The reflection of the boat on the lake, just after a brief rain shower.

Collage: Week 31

Finished Blanket

Day 220/365
Someone likes her new blanket.

Something Pink and Pretty

Day 219/365

Barn Rope

Day 218/365
We visited friends who recently purchased a small farm near Blue Mounds. We got to play with their adorable barn cats and see their growing collection of livestock. While we were in the barn, I saw this rope tied near the door and found it interesting. I have no idea what it's used for, but liked the texture of the rope and the look of the knots and loops.

Beachcomber Blanket

Day 217/365
I've been working on a blanket for Enavi for several weeks now. It's almost done! I love the colors of yarn she picked out - they are bright and cheery. This will be a soft and cuddly blanket to snuggle up with during the cool evenings as summer winds down.

Blooming Butterflies

Day 216/365
We visited the Blooming Butterflies exhibit at Olbrich Gardens today. We had lots of fun watching the butterflies flutter around the indoor gardens and we found lots of beautiful flowers to admire in the outdoor gardens.

Photo Booth

Day 215/365
We made up an impromptu photo booth at the VBS survival party, complete with props and frame. What a fun idea! The kids and adults enjoyed having their pictures taken with silly mustaches, lips and bow ties. While I did not come up with the idea or the props, I did get to take the pictures. I loved how everyone was willing to get a little silly. I have to admit that this is one of my favorites.

Walk with Daddy

Day 214/365

Old Tree

Day 213/365
I found this old maple tree at the park today and as I walked around its trunk, I was amazed at its impressive size. Running my hands over the gnarly bark, I wondered how long it had been growing there.