First day.
In keeping with tradition, I bring you the the first day of school pictures by the not so famous "tree".

{You can view last years school ones here: http://capturelifephotography-rachel.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html}

My second grader with one packed bologna sandwich with mustard for her.

My third grader.The both of them.
And, one packed bologna sandwich with ketchup for him.



I hope they have a good first day!!!

One year old cutie!

A week ago, I had the opportunity to spend a summer evening with this little cutie. Thank you Tiffany for letting me document this one year milestone. Take and breathe in every minute of her presence because she is just the sweetest. But, somehow I think you already know that!!!!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

A favorite.

She turned to me and whispered, don't you just love it when you get so excited you forget to breathe? And the thought of her smiling eyes still makes me laugh ~ Story People

I love Story People quotes and I love her.

Tuesday's thoughts.

I still remember the day this sock monkey was given to me - I don't remember exactly how old I was but I remember being in my grandmother's kitchen and my grandma's best friend knocking at the door and giving these to my twin sister and I. We were so afraid of it. She scared us with her big lips and earings.

What is funny is that my mother put these in our bedroom on the dresser and for years my sister and I were so afraid to go to sleep at night because of this scary, ugly sock monkey starring down at us at night. We use to talk to each other and say "just close you eyes and you won't see it".

So when my mom found these in the attic and gave them back to my sister and I all we could do was laugh and reminsce about how deathly afraid we were of this sock monkey and how traumatized our nights were to go to bed everynight.

I mean just look at her - have you ever seen a sock monkey with earrings dressed in a pink dress? And, those big red lips...yikes!



Once again, she now sits on my shelf in my bedroom and although I am not scared of her anymore... I still think she is pretty ugly. But the best part is, everytime I look at her she brings back such great memories, okay maybe not so great ones.

Just because.

Just because I think these videos are such a cool way to display images and just because I love these two....here are a few favorites taken over the last week.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Wordless Wednesday.

Okay....maybe no words, just a sound...mmm!

Back yard {and front yard} beauties.

Sometimes you never really know what beautiful treasures you will find in your own back yard.

Oh yeah, and its Monday again....how can that be possible? And, today begins the official start of the busy cheerleading and football practice season. Have a good one!

Just because.

Posting these of Sid just because I have not posted any in a while. He is getting so big and he really does keep us well entertained.

The only way she really is able to walk him this nicely is because of a special leash that keeps him from pulling - it really does work very well! It was one of the recommendations from the instructor at obdience class and well worth the money spent for it!

He was taken a well deserved break from all the action of being hosed down and trying to steer clear of the kids still armed with running water.

Uh, is this normal? Being nosey underneath the doorway when I shut him out of the room.

Drinking from a leaky hose down at camp.

Begging to come in the front door ~ how can you not resist those puppy eyes?

He really is a good li'l pupster ~ minus the chewing. Did I mention he chews??

But, I think I will save that topic for another post because it could possibly be a very long one!

J & B {Maternity Shoot}
Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity and pleasure of capturing this wonderful family who is expecting baby #2, a boy!

Thank you so much for inviting me into your lives and your beautiful home. You are simply gorgeous! I cannot wait to meet your new one. 16 days and counting....but who's counting, right {wink, wink}??

Check out their video below!

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Queen Anne's Lace.
If you can ever call a weed a favorite then Queen Anne's Lace would have to be my most favorite weed. I love the simplicity of it and how fine the details really are when you really give it a second look. So when I passed this field full of Queen Anne's Lace, I knew I would have to return with camera in hand and, of course, bring along my little sidekick. I am so glad I did. I just love the way these turned out!


And, this one below I just ordered in a big canvas print because I love it so much and because it is so her.


I am also thankful for her for always being up for the challenge and humoring me with her little quirks!

Just one for a Monday.
It's Monday again. Hope you all have a great start to yet another "hot" week! Will post more later from a field that I found full of Queen Anne's Lace ~ my favorite!

Cheer Camp.
Last Saturday and Sunday was Cheer Camp. And, she loved it. All the girls received a t-shirt and this they so happen to be hot pink! She was super excited to be back with all her friends and even more excited to learn a new dance.

Her expressions always crack me up.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nine.
He's nine today and he wanted a New York Yankees baseball hat for his birthday {why I have no idea because he has never watched a baseball game in his life} but that's what we gave him along with a new flat screen TV for his special day. My little boy just not so little anymore.....sigh.



Wishing you a wonderful birthday my sweet Coy boy!

Minus one.

My two plus my sister's four boys minus my sister's little girl equals almost a group picture!! Just minus one. It really does look like a Montley Crue, eh?? Or something like the Lost Boys or the Sand Lot. Oh, those hot summer days! To be young and carefree again....sigh.

And, what better way to spend it all then in your swimming trunks and playing ball in the grass with bare feet and snorkeling.

Oh yeah, and this is what happens to the dog when you let your kids have the hose....


Poor Sid...he was their only moving target. But he enjoyed every minute of it! What better way too beat the heat??

Hope you all are staying cool and enjoying these summer days!