Monday, July 20, 2009

All things bright and beautiful

Several small natural wonders have given me joy this summer.  I love that such small things can bring such delight.  I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father for creating such treasures.

Our resident toad - it lives in our front flower bed and comes out to visit quite often.  



A very brave robin dared to build its nest and lay its eggs in our crawling with children dogwood tree. 
Aren't those eggs the most beautiful col
or?


How can you help but love seagulls at the beach - even if they are hovering dangerously overhead dropping scavenged food . . and other things? Chasing them make kids happier than just about anything - which makes me happier than just about anything! 


Gazing at skies like this . . .


And shells with waves lapping over them?  Beautiful.


 

Fabulous Family

Grandma and Grandpa Chandler and Kristi, Josh, Adam, Alyse, and Ely all visited in June.  We loved having them visit.  We just wish the weather had cooperated a little more - we had tons and tons of rain.  We enjoyed hanging out in the house quite a bit and playing outside when we got a chance.  We can't wait to go see Kristi and Josh and kids at their place in Ohio - August is just around the corner!  
The beloved children's garden
Longwood was, of course, on the menu, and we even got one whole day of sunshine to go!  
Megan and Grandpa staining my curbside find
My parents are amazing and went to work on so many of our unfinished projects - and finished them.  THANK YOU!  

Story time with Grandpa
Grandpa played Halloween with Matthew and Jacob and had a special Halloween story time.  I loved finding them sitting like this.  Priceless.

 

Mom, Kristi and I had some good talks.  I am so grateful for them and their love and support.  What a blessing to have such amazing women to talk, cry, and laugh with. It's always hard to say goodbye.  Love you, Mom and Kristi!


I love this picture of my dad.  I don't even know who took it - probably one of the kids. Anyway, I love the my dad can be goofy and have fun with everyone. So many good memories of him "hee-hawing" (laughing) . . . now you know where I got it - the goofiness and the uncontrollable laughter.



Whistling with grass
One of my dad's talents is "whistling" with long pieces of grass.  He spent some time teaching the girls last summer while we were in Utah, and this summer they perfected the skill.

Walking to Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge
We love you, Grampy and Grammy!