outtakes

some funny out takes from our little home photo shoot for her announcements!

beginning at the end...

...with the massive July 4th Northside Parade! Fun and craziness had by all (bless Jake and his strong arms carrying two toddlers through the crowd).

Of course the parade started off with an awesome fire truck!
Followed by your expected and unexpected: old cars, kooky floats, and a bit of politics.
This one was a favorite of Finn and Bennett. I kept wondering how long it took to glue on all those toys, what a job in the broiling weather we were having!
This one was just great, and expressed the "Going Green" theme of this year's event.
We both attempted some family portraits and ate some delicious food.
This one was the best of the bunch, taken on the lovely front porch.
We went from an afternoon of fun up the hill for an evening of outdoor grilling and fun with more friends!

The gal actually woke up for a while before the fireworks started.
What holiday is complete without a cheesecake from Brian? Here's his take on a Red White and Blue theme... Red Raspberry, White Chocolate, and Blueberry, that is. You may commence drooling.

Where I'm From

"If you don't know where you're from, you'll have a hard time saying where you're going."

-Wendell Berry

I am from organic yogurt, from Guterman thread and Berninas.

I am from the bungalow where I have forged roots, complete with too many zucchini and failing air conditioner.

I am from the wild strawberries, the rogue violets by ancient European graves.

I am from craftsmen and women who create with their hands, from Dice and Lourena and Hazel.

I am from split lips in winter and Cowboy singers,

From do unto others and turn off that television and make something.

I am from Presbyterian roots, broadened and defined by pain and loss. All that is left of me is a humanist glimmer of faith, quietly observing the changing seasons with my Son Who Should Be.

I'm from the Cottonwood prairie, from chicken soup (homemade noodles!), and sun-warmed tomatoes,

From the grandfather with verboten M&Ms in his pocket, the grandfather and his basement workshop.

I am from the box in the closet, urn on the mantle, frames and photographs on our hallway wall, and rocking chair that soothes the little ones to sleep.

Coming to a mailbox near you!

Ribbon Dot Girl Birth Announcement

Birth announcements, Valentine's cards, & invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Consequences

Bennett decided to take a nap on the train table while we were in the middle of playing with Legos. Things kinda got out of control.

O is for Opossum....

.....but since opossums scare the heck out of me, O is for Owls

Bennett and mom went to Owl week at the park

Then they worked on the projects for the day

Nailed It!

Another of their owl creations