It's In the Clouds

This has been the stormiest summer I can remember in Colorado. We've had a string of amazing thunderstorms every evening. The kids and I were outside tonight - because it actually wasn't raining (yet) for once and enjoyed these awesome clouds.

Katie was "sharing" her cupcake with Eleanor. A little bit more like getting a pie in the face - but it's the thought that counts, right? Can't resist taking pictures in this gorgeous light. Glad I've got some goofballs to model for me.

New in Town

The most exciting thing to happen around here since the last time Granny bread was delivered, is having my sister's family move to Colorado this month. We've never had family living in the same state as us since we got married. Hopefully, that's nothing personal...

Anyway, we're so excited to have cousins around! The girls enjoyed every minute of play time together. Now that they're settled in their own house, everyone's going through withdrawals. I think we'll be able to work the kids up to a whole 5 days apart pretty soon.


Lilly thinks Eleanor is the greatest thing since sliced bread and is doing well tolerating Katie as a tag-a-long.

Evie is just adorable. I must look like her mom, cause she likes me too.

Katie usually prays for every family member she can see, but since Jenny and Christian moved here, they're always included too. That's very high praise indeed. Hurray for family 20 miles instead of 2000 miles away!

A Man for All Seasons

We got to celebrate Gavin's birthday last week. I'm glad we got an excuse to spoil him and show him just how proud I am of him this year. Happy Birthday Honey!

I know it's probably not your typical birthday present, but this guy was excited about his new food processor! And sorry honey for making you cook your own birthday steak, but who better to do it?

Throughout the weekend, I was struck by just how "versatile" Gavin is! In one day, he presided at a baptism, fixed the breaks on my car, did some dancing with the family, and took in a musical at a Dinner Theater with me. Amazing right?! Sorry ladies, he's taken. :)



The girl's enjoyed "helping" dad fix the car.

Happy Independence Day

To celebrate Independence Day, I really wanted some freedom from the heat! Well, seriously, there's nothing like celebrating our country's birthday in one of our national parks, right? We're so lucky to have that close by. We headed up to Estes Park for a hike around Lilly Lake, with my niece Lilly (and her family). It was beautiful, cool and relaxing. Katie did wear pants for most of the day.





After heading home, we enjoyed some fireworks with our friends up the street.





Then I had fun messing with different techniques to photograph the city fireworks. Nothing like thinking about it (ok, not that much) all year for 15 minutes of actual "play time." Here are a few I liked.