Summer 500

Although I'd love to, I cannot take credit for this picture. I am pretty sure my brother took it for me while we were at the farm. If I am wrong, he can just tell me and then I'll take credit!

I took over 500 pictures this summer. Many were deleted, but probably not enough. I just can't. There are so many things I try to capture. I'll share a few my favorites, in no particular order or time sequence.
Time with daddy...

And brotherly love.

God's beautiful creation...

And first smiles.

First meetings...

And trying desperately to capture who they are now, for when they are older.

Re-connecting with cousins...

And old friends.

Having fun with my baby...

And enjoying incredible bonding time.

Having goofy moments...

That just kept coming and coming!

Enjoying a first ever ice cream cone (they sell gluten free ones!)...

And trying new ice cream flavors.

Taking Rosebud to where her parents were engaged...

And simply enjoying the view.

Playing hard...

Sleeping hard.

Taking my children to a place that has meant so much...

While re-living my childhood joy through them there.

Loving that I have water babies...

Who can't get enough.

Blowing out candles...

And opening presents.

Sneaking kisses...

And hugs.

Teaching them about patriotism...

And about disappointment.

I took some pictures of funny moments I never want to forget...

And of the kids enjoying the simple pleasures (Thanks so much to my friend Liz for hosting us this particular afternoon...your family is such a joy).

I was able to capture the afternoon light... Unless Liz you took this picture...because I have NEVER gotten one like it.

And newly budding friendships.

I got to see the thrill of a new experience...

And feel the anticipation of discovering new things.

We had rare quiet moments one-on-one...

Reading and singing.

Enjoyed visits from out of state family...

Who like to frequent our neck of the woods.

Took pictures of fingers...

And toes...

And everything in between.

We have had a great summer...

That is not technically over. Keep an eye out. I'll bet there will be more.

I took tons of pictures, and had some great ones I didn't share here because I didn't have permission from people in the pictures to publish them to the web...I try to be careful about that.