A little journey...

I will be absent for this week due to the fact that Hayden and I are going on a trip with the Grandparents to Vermont.

Lots going on around our house...namely a new business venture!

When I get back, I will have lots to share with you all.

Enjoy your vacation from me! :-)

Blast from the Past #4...

When you let someone do this....

you look like this!
(might double click this one for the full effect)

44 things....

about Brent!

1. Handsome
2. Smart
3. Easy to please
4. Gray :-)
5. Generous
6. Trustworthy
7. Loyal
8. Calm
9. Laid back

10. Witty
11. Outlandish
12. Fun-loving
13. Crazy
14. Spontaneous
15. Goofy
16. Acts like a kid

17. Sensitive
18. Good kisser :-)
19. Caring
20. Easy to love
21. Pretty eyes
22. Romantic
23. Patient
24. Stubborn (occasionally) :-)
25. Smiling

26. Deep thinker
27. Wise
28. Knowledgeable
29. Good teacher
30. Skilled
31. Handy
32. Talented
33. Lover of books
34. Brave
35. Encouraging

36. Father
37. Husband
38. Son
39. Brother
40. Dedicated
41. Harmonious
42. Comfortable
43. Agreeable
44. Likeable

Happy Birthday Brent!
I love you!!

In case you didn't know...

She's 12 going on grown!

She is the light in my day
and
the thorn in my side!

She is beautiful, amazing, sweet, loving, giving
and
has an evil twin!

She has a heart of gold
but
can be as cold as ice!

She is one of the smartest people I know
but
loves to play dumb!

She is strong willed, head strong and persistent
and
will drive you crazy!
(not to mention...genetically inclined)

She is hard to anger
and
quick to forgive!

She will try most things once
but
is the pickiest person I know!

She loves to form opinions before a situation arises
but
is willing to admit fault!


When you go above and beyond this list,
the daily joys and shortcomings
of being 12...

You suddenly have the
the BEST thing about her....
(in case you didn't know)

She's mine!

and the winner is...

Tonight was the announcement of the contest winners.
There were 109 entries in 4 different categories.

Remember this? Hayden's entry!

The Results...I am SO proud of her! Can you believe it?

Remember this? My entry!

The Results....

(that's 1st place if you can't read it or don't want to blow it up)

To say that I was shocked is putting it mildly...I still don't believe it!
Don't wake me...I like this dream! :-)

4th of July in the Mountains....

We went to Charlotte for the weekend and on Saturday we drove up to the mountains for the day. The weather was great and a good time was had by all. It has been a few years since we have been up to the Blowing Rock area so it was great to be back and really would love to go spend a little more time up there....SOON! :-)

I was anxious to have the opportunity to take 'the camera' on this journey! I hit a milestone while on this trip...I have taken 10,000 (over now) photos with my new (December) camera! You think I like it? I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoy taking them. :-)

Red, White and Blue...everywhere!
Cool pic...looks like a flower

Fun...

Cute... :-)

The Mast Farm in Valle Crucis, NC.
(Remember this Dana G?)

Inside the Mast Farm...such a cool place!

The back porch of the Mast Farm...the guy in the middle is dancing!

A quaint church on the side of the mountain.

One of my favorites of the day...a view from inside the church.

Probably my most favorite pic of the day! ;-)

Pops and Gramma in front of the church.

and my other favorite of the day.

Beautiful view...

Great fireworks...

A perfect ending to a perfect day!

Old Glory....

Happy 4th of July Weekend....

It should be interesting...

Brent, Hayden and I all entered into a local photo contest today.
Below are the pictures we submitted...can you guess who did what?
Do you think any will win?
Nothing like a cut throat healthy family competition!

Apprentice

My friend, Elizabeth, has joined me now in the picture taking world.
She bought herself a DSLR on Craigslist and I have been taking her
out on excursions. (like I know anything but it's still fun)