Summer has always been my favorite season. I don't know if it's the long nights, warm weather, flowers or tomatoes from the garden, or just that school is out. I love the magic of pretending and hope it stays for a long time for my girls. I also hope summer holds out a little longer too, at least for my garden. My sister made these cute wants for both girls; they love them! Thanks Em! Here are some pics we took at my mom's last week.

Secret Lake Hike

here is one pic at the lake, I'll post a gallery link later- Laura, you're more than welcome to have any of these you want. Thanks, mom, for putting it all together.

caterpillar dreaming

As a kid, I spent a great deal of time with my grandparents, which was wonderful. They were both retired teachers; my grandfather taught science. He was always doing some project with me. I’d help him formaldehyde insects and pin them up, learning all about thoracic segments, prothorax, etc. to learning about plants and lichen on trees. Apparently, I stopped everyone getting off the bus one day to point out some algae in the gutter. Yes, I am a geek to this day. I wanted Audrey and Bethany to get a little exposure too, so, we looked for an egg, but to no avail. We did find some caterpillars; one I could identify as a monarch, the other maybe a leopard moth? The girls loved watching them eat (about 5 times their own weight every day; I understand why they can do so much damage) and miraculously spin their chrysalis. I thought there was a good chance we’d lose at least one, but the first one was a success. The girls had such a fun time watching them that we’d really like to share this fun with someone else. So, does anyone want a caterpillar? :) We have a wooly bear and another unknown moth, maybe another leopard moth... similar to our first one. So, really, if anyone wants a caterpillar, please let us know! :)

My mom got these old photos to me to scan a while ago. They're of my dad's dad, Frank Pierson. They are a few of the ONLY photos I've ever seen of Frank. So, if anyone Pierson-related wants a copy of one for any purpose (family history, dart board :) etc.) just email me and I'll be happy to send you a decent sized file for your computer or to print (these are web-quality only). I like the top one of the work horses. I can't believe not that long ago, tractors weren't extensively used.

Guess I missed Christmas in July already...

I can't believe it's the END of August....the weather made summer feel like it's been 2 weeks long. I feel like I need to make up for it all this month before it gets cold again. I've taken a few pics of my girls (good for me, I feel like I don't do it often enough usually) but I'm getting excited about doing family pictures for the holidays, too. This was last years photo for Bonnie and Steve (we shot it on a warm day in September or October) It was a lot of fun to do! This year I am dying to dress up a dad as Santa, with mom giving dad a kiss, and the kids in his lap, all in a rocking chair! :)

rainy day mondays always make me smile

We've had the best weather lately.... I love when it rains! I got these cool watering cans for $2 and have wanted to take some pics with the girls in their raincoats... so I got the opportunity to do so this week. It doesn't look rainy, but we all (especially Doug who wasn't under an umbrella) got soaked. It was fun.

The many faces of Emily

I simply adore my sister Emily; she is the sweetest girl. She also looks cute when she makes faces... something that I can't do. She is thinking about going on a mission (we're so excited!) So, Emily, here are 2 to choose from (I can post more, too) but the top is my favorite one, the one on the bottom doesn't have any editing done yet. Double click on the row to see close-up.