Summer Joys

(This post is old and I must have never finished...but has to post for my memories...I would love to put myself back in these pictures...now that snow will be here soon!)

I am currently in the middle of my 2 week vacation.  I was asked, "What are you going to do over vacation?"  I simply stated, "I have no idea."  Sometimes the best vacations are not planned or over thought about. 

We started out our week with freezing 2 lugs of peaches and a lot of corn.  Nothing feels better than counting the completed bags and finding space for them in the freezer.

The beach is my favorite place to be with Carsen. 

Meeting up with the blonde and brunette for our photography class.  Sharing our pictures, drinking a coconut frappe and giggling at our silliness.  If only we had more time!!

 

Have you ever been to Terrace Mill?  It is the cutest little town.  We went to enjoy the awesome Summer weather, watch Matt's cousin's play and enjoy time with family.

We went for a nice and easy 3 mile run through the flower gardens.  It was such a cool day with an awesome sun shining down on us.

 Of course, we enjoyed the Stevens County fair. 

Carsen and Taelyn enjoying the ride.  Taelyn was such a good helper to be with Carsen and keep an eye on him.  Literally.

Who says mom's can't have fun at the fair?

The three of us.

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Our highlight, feeding the animals.

Matt and I competed in the Green lake triathlon.  My mom and dad were kind enough the bring Carsen along to cheer us on. 

We went back to Minnewaska lake to enjoy 3 hour naps and a peaceful, quiet lake.

Our puppy Sage has been and interesting little addition in our life.


 

Apron's

I haven't blogged here for a while.  But, found a great reason to blog tonight!  Trying to find a good gift idea for your mother-in-law, mother, grandma, kids, nieces?  Check out the blonde's, mother's etsy site here!
These adorable, reversible, one of a kind aprons are made with the hands of a fabulous woman!  Check them out!  I know I will be getting the large floral print on the black background!  Which one fit's your style?

What's in the box?

I have to share.  I found a pretty awesome gift for myself.  It was a small purchase that I know I didn't NEED.  It was one that I wanted and I didn't care.  So, I bought it with no guilt at all.  Happy Day to myself, it arrived in the mail already!

What do you think is inside that cute little box?

Oooo I see it and it is so cute!!

Isn't it possibly the cutest thing you have ever laid your eyes on?  It is a brand new camera strap.

With roses and ruffles!!  Sweet!

I am in love with etsy.  The only problem, I wish I could be that talented and creative.  I feel like I got a whole new wardrobe for my camera and I can't wait to wear it!!! 

Shopping

What do you get when the blonde and brunette's go shopping?

Nice!!!

No, we didn't purchase these headbands...with feathers.

Or, these aweful hats.  Or, the 80's sweatshirts.

But, we did capture our smiles and a much needed mommy day off!

A Friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.  -Jim Morrison

f 1.8

My mail box was FULL the other day.  There was a little brown package with my name on it.  "Huh? What could this be?"  I carried my load of mail into the house to greet Carsen.  A few hours went by and I still had not opened that package.  Once I opened the box to see what was inside I gasped with joy!  With Matt away on a 8 day hunting trip,  working my three, 12 hour shifts while balancing a baby-sitter and training our new puppy to sit, I had totally forgotten what I had ordered.  I think you will understand the excitement in my next sentence...

MY NEW LENS ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


It came and I had forgotten all about it!  My 50 mm f 1.8 Canon lens was brand new and so beautiful!  After taking an online photography class, I learned about this lens that was priced so perfectly! 

This morning I dressed Carsen for his first photoshoot with the f 1.8.  I could't wait to try it out.  The sun was bright, dew was all over the grass, and Carsen was not wanting to look at the camera.   I hope to improve with some more practice. 

My favorite...Those lashes kill me everytime!  Carsen loves to play in and eat dirt.

I get that look from Carsen a lot...I know I appear crazy to him but I can't stop taking pictures!  I love photography and all the crazy challenges that go a long with it! 

Sisters

My twin sister and I have always been a complete pair.

We are complete opposites yet compliment eachother very well.

I am type A.  It drives her nuts.  She is type, I have no clue.  Just when I think I have her figured out, she has a baby and becomes the most amazing person.  Not that she wasn't a full of energy, hilarious, and crazy for life sort of person before.  I guess I can say she has stepped it up a notch since becoming a mother.   I believe the best qualities of a mother shine through when they have only slept a few hours, have a million things to do, and have a new born baby to take care of.   My favorite thing about her is that she still makes time to pick up an Caramel, iced, Northern lite latte before just about any task in her day.  Passionate for life...best description for Katie.  She is full of so much love and kindness.  Kids complete her day and make her soul happy. 

My younger brother Mark has been with Alissa for just about forever.  She has always felt like a little sister and been included like any other sibling.  She is the type of sister in law that feels more like a sister, except a not a little sister anymore.  With a baby now crawling and a crazy, busy life, we have so much in common.   My favorite things to do with Alissa are relax at the lake with our kids, visit about anything and everything, and share lots of laughs.  She comes from a family that is super sarcastic and hilarious.  That is exactly what my family needs.  She is positive about life and is always able to see life in color.  She stands by in what she believes and lives life to fullest!!

To be surrounded by hilarious sisters.  Life can't get much better.



Enjoying the sand bar at Geneva lake.

A water dance off competition was a must this past weekend.  I haven't laughed this hard for a long time.  It was quite the entertainment!



Fun!

Alissa's gorgeous side dive! 



Not sure this is dancing...but this is Katie's version!

Katie's beautiful form.

And a belly flop!! Not bad for having a c-section 4 moths ago! 

Cohen is funny like his mommy!  Soakin up the sun!

Lifejackets are a must in our boat...the boys are getting used to them!

Cousins! Enjoying the floating dock!

Carsen's little lady bug!

The best thing about Katie and Alissa is that they love me for who I am.  My unchangeable traits and the ones I try to change.  They love my family for what we have become.  They are both so amazing with Carsen and show him so much love.  What would I do with out these two?  Life would be boring.

Love you girls!