Time Flies

July 30, 2012

It's been many years since my brother Gary and his family moved to Idaho.  I don't think Anthony was even in school yet--he was a sweet faced, chubby cheeked little guy.  Although I've seen him a handful of times over the years since, it's still strange to think of him as a nearly grown young man.  This is a picture of him, on the verge of beginning his senior year of high school.  How time flies.

Gotta Love a Kid Who Can Laugh at Himself

July 27, 2012

This is my nephew.  Anthony is a strong, handsome young man.  Generally speaking, his fashion sense is pretty strong.  When trying on a new persona, however, I think it's safe to say that his choice in women's clothes could use a little work!

Road Trip With My Baby Girl

July 25, 2012

Brianna had a workshop to attend for a Fashion Week event she'll be attending in the fall, so we headed down south for a couple of days.  We stopped off on the way to have lunch with a couple of her friends.  We stayed with my good friend Andie, her partner Janal, and their adorable son Eli.  Beautiful weather, good friends, and lots of time with my girl--now that's a vacation!

Rock and Roll at Uncle Tom's

July 24, 2012

Summer Day

July 24, 2012

Because sometimes, you just have to enjoy and appreciate a beautiful day and the view from the front porch.

Reimagined Table

July 24, 2012

Like me, Danielle has been scouring Pinterest for crafts and activities to do.  We found an old beat up coffee table at a yard sale, and she decided to paint the top with chalkboard paint, and then painted the legs a very pretty blue to add some color.  I think it will make a nice addition to her room.

QN4U

July 20, 2012

Tonight we had our Family Dinner Night, as usual.  As luck would have it, I had heard only a few days before that QN4U was closing its doors this weekend.  We had heard that the owner had died suddenly, but his widow had tried to keep the business running.  Despite being a favorite local barbque restaurant, there wasn't enough business to sustain the restaurant, and Sunday would be its last day.

We were saddened to hear we were going to lose a local favorite, but were glad that we would be able to partake one more time before they closed their doors.  The local news even came out to do a story on the restaurant, and they came to interview Doug just as we were being served our favorite family-style meal.  We thought it was pretty cool that our friends and family saw us on the evening news.

Marlo's Birthday Party

July 15, 2012

What a great time we had celebrating Marlo's birthday.  It's so hard to believe she's so big already!

Pirate Adventure

July 16, 2012

Lisa and all the clan on their Pirate Adventure.

Oregon Vacation for the Kids

July 13, 2012

The kids went with their dad and Laurie on a trip to Bend, Oregon this summer.  Bill and Laurie are looking to retire in Oregon in a handful of years, so they thought they'd give the kids a preview of where he was going.  They went hiking, inner tubing, horseback riding, and swimming.   All three of their step-sisters were able to join them as well--a feat that may prove even more difficult as the kids continue to grow up and move into their own adult lives.   I'm sure they all had a great time, but goodness, I missed them!  I was so happy to have them back home again when vacation was over.