summer day at the lake~

water, beautiful mountains, a boat, family, friends & sunshine...

a perfect combination!

we all had permagrins...all.day.long!!!

my lil' superhero

Last night I taught a small photography class for our ladies church group.  It was simple...and we talked about tips for light and composition with any camera.  I had a lot of fun.  I wanted to demonstrate the information I was teaching.  I asked Sophie and Kate if they would be my models.  (Ellie lucked out and was on a hike with friends.)  They were cooperative and I was soooooo grateful!  (You never know what young kids will do!  kwim!?)  They went home with Danny right after the demonstration.

When I returned home 2 hours later, I heard Sophie talking in her room (to herself...I love that!).  I sat on her bed and visited with her.  The first thing she said to me, "Mom, thanks for taking my picture tonight," in the sweetest voice ever.  "I wanted to stay there with you.  Did you have donuts?"  I explained that we didn't.  Then she continued, "I should have brought all of the ladies cotton candy.  Mom, do they all like cotton candy?"  :)  I didn't know...and then she said, "Mom, you don't like cotton candy so not everybody would like it."  It was so cute that she remembered my distaste for the fluffy stuff...and even cuter that she wanted to share treats with everybody.  She would have been a better teacher tonight than I was...good teachers always bring treats!

daddy "teached" me~

Yesterday Sophie and I had several hours alone.

I took full advantage of the ease of just having one child with me...and ran quite a few errands.

Sophie was cheerful and helpful where ever we went.

She was absolutely delightful to share the day with---

even when demanding--- "Mommy, carry me!"

As we were driving in the car to pick up her sisters I said,

"Sophie, you are so fun to be with and always so cheerful.  I love you."

She replied, "My daddy learned me that."

To clarify I asked, "Did daddy teach you that?"

"Yes, daddy teached me that."  she said very matter-of-factly.

Yes he did.  Yes he did.

photo:  Newport beach, March 2010

sunshine on our shoulders

It has been too many days of being indoors and being sick~

We are hoping for a day of warmth and fresh air...

the sunshine on our shoulders.

Happy day!!!

photo:  f2.5  iso 400  1/125

all dressed up with no where to go~

We had the BEST day planned!

We set out our clothes the night before so that we would be ready to go as soon as our feet hit the floor!  

• Airforce museum in the morning with our neighbors
• Meet friends at the pool for lunch and swimming
• Dinner with fresh corn on the cob and homemade pizza
• Family night...talking about friendship & playing together

The whole itinerary changed when poor Ellie woke up with the stomach flu :(

We washed sheets, every hard surface, and hands over and over again all day.

The girls watched movies, read library books and sat outside occasionally.

Fortunately, the slow paced day made a mini photo shoot in the back yard sound entertaining to Kate!

My Country Tis of Thee~

My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From every mountainside, Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love;

I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills;

My heart with rapture thrills, Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;

Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe partake;

Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong.

Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing.

Long may our land be bright, With freedom's holy light,

Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.

My Country Tis of Thee by Samuel Francis Smith

It is my favorite holiday of the year.  The whole community unites to celebrate!

I love the flags waving, fireworks, time spent outside, bbqs, red.white.blue, and patriotism.

I can't wait for next year!!!!!!!!

Independence Day!!!!!!!!

The land of the free...

(happy and tired)

we are so blessed...

and grateful.

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!