Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Girls Weekend

Last weekend, two of my sisters, my mother, my daughter and my nieces spent the weekend together in Sun Valley, ID.  Unfortunately, one of my sisters and my daughter-in-law were unable to be with us so we were a couple short but the rest of us had a great time.

We ate out, ate in, played games, hiked, swam and mostly enjoyed each other!  I love the times when we get together.  While waiting for meas, we often ask questions such as, "what is a goal you want to complete".  It is such a great way to learn about each other.  

Me and Mollie.
I know how lucky I am to be surrounded by such amazing women!


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Backyard Containers

I used to spend hours gardening.  The last few years, I have been a total slacker.  This year, I stepped it up and have cleaned up the yard, replanted and just returned to spending time working outside.  I am pleased with the results.  My containers are especially lovely this year!


Whiskey barrel on deck

One of the hanging baskets
Red geraniums are my all time favorite
Herb garden
This is the best part of gardening...my sweet little helper boy!  Gabriel loves getting in the dirt and especially loves to water.  He tells me regularly that he is going to be a farmer with his Bubba (grandpa) when he grows up.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Independence Day 2012

We had an amazing 4th of July this year.  A couple of my siblings and their families came home, as they usually do.  We have many traditions and this is the one time of the year that our small hometown really celebrates.  It is a great time to reconnect with old friends and to remain thankful for the blessings of living in such a great nation.

We started the morning with the Fun Run/Walk.  Carl ran the 10K.  Gayla ran the 5K.  Jim and I walked the 5K.  

After showering, we headed back to town for the parade.  Gabriel and James loved it and especially loved collecting candy.  Mollie loves hanging with her favorite nephew.  My mom can be spotted enjoying the parade, too.

 We spent the remainder of the day at my parents house.  As our custom, we had fried chicken, beans, chips, salads, fruits, sodas, cookies and homemade ice cream.  Several of my aunts and uncles and their families join us.  We play games and the kids spend much of the time soaking each other.




My parents with their younger grandsons.


We enjoy family fireworks before we drive into town to enjoy the community fireworks display.
What is better than the 4th of July in small town U.S.A.?