First Day of First Grade

They grow up much too fast!

Luke's New Do...

Bug Day!

Have I mentioned how much I love living in Idaho? I LOVE it!! This past weekend the Idaho Botanical Gardens hosted its annual most fun event ever...Bug Day!! I love living in a place that has a special event dedicated to the second most favorite things of boys, BUGS!! (In case you were wondering what comes first...much to my disappointment it isn't their moms...it's rocks.)

Anyway what could be cooler than having a Mormon cricket crawl up your arm?

That would be having a walking stick crawl up your arm...and a hissing cockroach too...at the same time!!!

Oh, look at this cute little bug...

Jay Goes Green

Before we left Boise, Nick and I had discovered a special place in the foothills. He was drawn to it because it require some four-wheeling and I loved it because it overlooked the city. We would go there to celebrate our anniversary, birthdays, or for no reason at all...just to get away...without really getting away. When Nick returned from his deployment to SWA we loaded up the jeep with a champagne breakfast and watched the city come to life. Anyway, we recently made our first trip to our spot since returning to Boise. Surprisingly, not much had changed except the road leading to our spot is starting to be paved for more housing. I have a feeling it won't be our spot much longer...unless we come into some serious money. Anyway, we took the boys, in the Jeep, of course, and had a wonderful time. While we were there Jay noticed that there was a lot of litter on "our mountain." He suggested we come again with garbage bags and garden gloves and clean it up. My heart swelled with pride. It isn't my doing though, before we left NC Nick took Jay out with the Knighs of Columbus on a highway clean up. So, this good deed can be attributed to him...but I am still so amazed that Jay took such pride in this land, enough to want to come back and clean it up. Now, if only I could instill that pride in his room!! Anyway, here are some photos from "our mountain" clean-up.

Doesn't Nick look good? Yeah baby!!! He has been working out like crazy...his hair long and I even like the goatee...he looks distiguished with that touch of gray. Yep, I married a "HOT-TEE!!!"
Sunset from "our mountain." This was just the beginning we had to leave just as it was REALLY getting good. Note to self...must always have camera ready!!!

One Month Ago Today...

...Anne and Tony were married. Happy One Month Anniversary!!!

Anne is my sister-in-law and one of the most beautiful people I know. She is very creative, incredibly compassionate and has a very quick whit, which makes her a lot of fun to be around. I met Anne when Nick and I were dating. I shared a room with her when Nick brought me home to meet the family. Anyway, we stayed up all night talking. I liked her so much that I hoped that if things didn't work out with me and Nick I could continue to be her friend. Well, things worked out and better than friendship, she has become my sister. Through the years, one of my prayers for Anne was that one day, she would meet a man who appreciates her. Truly appreciates the beautiful person that she is. Not just her exterior beauty but her heart. God answered that prayer when she met Tony. He is equally witty...which make them both a blast to be around...and he loves Anne...truly loves her. He is the kind of person you meet who you instantly feel a bond with. I am so happy for the both of them and look forward to seeing where their future leads...I know it will be chock full of fun and adventure.

Anne and Tony were married on Hermosa Beach on July 22. They had their wedding their way...and it was beautiful!!! I caught them in a kiss just as Tony left to find his place on the beach...yep, that's right he actually saw her before the wedding!

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you...Tony is waiting for Anne to walk down the flower pedal aisle with her two sisters Susan and Sarah. They officiated the wedding. Nick likes to joke that his sisters married his sister!

No L.A. wedding would be complete without the paparazzi. And for dessert...cookies!!! Anne and Tony like them and opted for a variety of desserts as opposed to the traditional tiered wedding cake. They were delicious!!!

More wedding photos...

I love this shot. Iguess it reveals the voyeur in me. Anyway, this was taken outside Anne & Tony's Motel room. Hair still in curlers, Anne takes out her wedding gown.

Congratulations Anne & Tony!!! We wish you many years of happiness and lots of babies.

Ooops, did I just cross the line?

Fun in the Sun!!!

Jay trying out the surf board...before tying it to the ski boat.

Check out that balance!

I love the shot of this sweet toddler...I can't see his face, but I am sure he is looking at the boy playing in the water anticipating the day he'll be big enough to splash and play. Actually, I think he already believes he is big enough to join him...his mom just won't let him.

After looking at these photos to share, I noticed they are all taken of the backs of heads...no surprise. I have found as a parent and photographer I often find myself literally behind the children...they are always on the move! The image of my son, Nick's back will be forever imprinted on my brain as he took his first steps, the first time he learned to pedal away on his tricycle, every trip to the pool that I followed on foot as he rode his bike, or scooter. The first day of school as he entered the classroom. I could go on and on. As he grows he may slow down, or not but I will always be there, standing right behind him.