Day 91 - A river runs through it

This small river now resides in our backyard. I think it has been a dream of my husband's to have one of these since he could formulate complete thoughts. It really is beautiful and has a wonderfully calming effect.

Day 90 - Thick as thieves

My husband didn't know what this expression was, "Thick as thieves". Part of the definition is 2 or more people very close. I think this perfectly describes this lot as they squished on one seat, so no one was left out.

Day 89 - Chillin'

"What?"

Day 88 - Climbing

Stuck... like a bug on the windshield. A cute bug that is.

Day 87 - Lavender

I was never really a fan of lavender until I strolled around a lavender field. Ever since then, the scent is associated with such feel good memories that I can't help but get intoxicated at the scent. While my crop this year is slim, the joy it brings is not diminished.

Update: Test subject awoke at 8:30p.m., 11:30p.m., 12:00a.m., 1:00a.m., 2:00a.m. Early study results appear to have failed.

Day 86 - Operation Exhaustion

I decided I would try another parenting experiment (I mean isn't that what parenting is about anyway, experimentation?) I thought I would investigate varying amounts of sleep in my little one (ex. long nap, short nap, no nap, etc.) Today, I made it my personal mission to keep that girl awake all day, no naps. Oh, she was tired, I was tired, but we kept going. We got ready for bed earlier than normal and by 7 p.m., this child of mine passed out. I could not even wake her. This is the first night in sooo long that I have had some down time, some me time before I needed to go to bed. I may be paying for this later tonight or early tomorrow, but right now with my Root beer and Junior mints I don't care. It feels marvelous!

Day 86 - Secret Hideout

Turning a boring Sunday afternoon into espionage. We created this secret hideout for them to devise their master plans and reconnaissance missions. (BTW: Doesn't that look say is all "You know too much, now you must die!")

Day 85 - Happy Pioneer Day!

It seemed like illegal fireworks were out in force last night. We were treated to a plethora of pyrotechnics on all sides. This shot is the tail end of one such firework. I think it looks like fairy dust sprinkling down. Let's just hope that fairy dust doesn't light any of my trees on fire.

Day 84 - Gellato

What better way to cool off in the summer than cover yourself in ice cream? Mmmm.

Day 83 - To bed I said!

I tried for nap, but she refused. I let her stay up. Around 5 p.m., I let her watch a movie with brother while I made dinner and cleaned. This is how I found her 30 min. into it. Stubborn eh?

Case of the missing oranges

He read my blog. As a result, the oranges mysteriously disappeared today. Isn't that funny? (see day 80 if you are confused)

Day 82 - The River

An after dinner hike in search of some driftwood. Still need some practice on the river shot, but it turned out cooler than I anticipated.

Day 81 - The look

I think this shot is priceless. I love the look and the fact that I got it on camera made me so happy. (In case you are wondering, he has a spiderman eye and she has a butterfly)

Day 80 - The experiment

I am conducting a small experiment. 7 days ago a certain member of my family, who will remain nameless, placed this plate of eaten orange on the counter. At the time, they said to me "I will take care of this plate, I am just going to leave it here for now". I am assuming because they had hoped to place these peels in the compost pile at a later time. However, at this point in time I am beginning to wonder exactly what later date that might be. All said and done, it is kind of an interesting picture and a little visually appealing to me (more so if it wasn't sitting on my counter). I will be taking bets as to how long you think this plate will stay on my counter. My guess: 2 1/2 weeks.

Day 79 - Guess what?

What is this image?

You might be surprised to find out that this is actually....

This.

I discovered this interesting effect by wiggling my camera as I took the picture with a longer shutter speed. I was impressed by the texture and features I was able to capture in the second picture. (Not wiggling my camera)

Day 78 - Cotton Candy

What is more summer than cotton candy? I love how the bubblegum pink almost matches the hue of her cheeks.

Day 77 - Piggies

Notice anything off about these shoes? Aside from the toes placement, they are on the wrong feet. At any given time, this is usually how you will find these shoes...but moving of course. They don't usually hold still for long.

Day 76 - The fruit of our labors

There is something almost therapeutic about having a garden. Tilling the earth and making something grow. I can't quite explain it, but I get so much joy out of seeing this little tomato. This is an heirloom tomato, you know the kind that cost 4 dollars a pound at the grocery store. I can't wait to try it.

Day 75 - Spilled Milk

When things don't go your way, feel free to dump your milk in protest. Just be prepared to clean it up yourself.

Day 74 - Snow White

Not a particularly great shot. (It was done hastily, so as not to wake her) After our realization that it would be impossible to keep her in a crib permanently (I was hoping for at least 5 more years) we bought a real bed. Last night was the trial run. She finally passed out around 10:30 - 11 p.m. Today she has been akin to one of the 7 dwarves. I will give you a clue - it rhymes with "Lumpy". I have been waiting for her need for sleep to catch up with her all day today, until it finally did tonight at about much the same time as last night. Any chance that the Dwarf Happy will visit us tomorrow? I didn't think so either.

Day 73 - Stolen kiss

I obviously didn't take this shot either. (is this cheating?) Like the last photo, I also loved this picture. I like how we are framed between the pillars and that my hair looks flowing. I also like that our faces are obscured, is that weird?

Day 72 - Stairs

I love this shot. Unfortunately, I cannot claim credit for it. My husband took it. I love the texture and the lighting.

Day 71 - Camera fixed

I can't tell you how much I missed it.

Day 70 - Tight space

We purchased bunk beds for the kids. Our plan wasn't well thought out as to how we would be bringing these home, should we find one we liked.

Day 69 - Twilight

Twilight at Girl's camp. It always amazes me when I spend time away from it all, how beautiful nature is and how small we really are. Looking up at the sky, practically blazing with stars and to suddenly feel so small in the grand scheme of it all, but not insignificant. Who could doubt a loving God when you see this amazing world? Happened by chance? I think not.

Day 68 - The taste of Freedom

Although they didn't realize, they were eating in sync. It was too funny watching.

Day 67 - Happy 3rd of July!

Happy 4th of July! Nothing like a firework show to make you feel patriotic! This year we get to celebrate it twice!

Day 66 - Weird Science

Even though my camera is out of commission, I will try to post again. (At least until Girl's camp next week and then maybe when I get back my camera will be fixed. Fingers crossed)

This photo was taken a week ago, but I wasn't able to include it, even though I really liked it. He was working on a little science experiment (The old baking soda and vinegar trick). He was quite an astute student. He even pointed out to the teacher as she explained what Gas, Solid, and Liquid's were - that "gas is a liquid, you put it in your car." She had to back track a bit to amend her explanation. I just feel lucky he didn't make another connection with gas to share with the class.