Celebrate

Happy Birthday to my firstborn. Precocious was a word used often to describe her.

She could memorize long lists and Bible verses at an early age.

That led easily into a life of loving words

and books, of course, duh! We were so proud of her back then - and we still are.

Have a fabulous day, dear - we love you!!

Still Melting

We can't believe how hot it is this week. Breaking records like crazy around here. But we managed to find comfort and coolness, even a downpouring thundershower up in the mountains.

The road we wanted was closed but we still had a wonderful time with the last of the family that was here. And it turns out that having another home for guests is a very handy thing - it has air conditioning! They fly out just minutes from now so we wish them safe travels and long naps.

So life will be pretty quiet here today, just me and the laundry. Sniff.

Wait, the bride and groom return today! Woo Hoo, I don't have to face normal life yet for awhile, not sure I can handle it anyway...

Favorite shots

I'm sneaking in photo editing here and there - I need hours of time so it will be a little while. But one of the first ones I went for was this. I just can't get enough of those cute kids and their blue bows!

Sorry, that's all for today. Gotta run - we're off to the mountains before it's gets blistering hot.

Patience Please

Yes, we'll get to the dishes and the table cloths and the wedding photos, but we're still playing.

We're still kicking up our heels over here

And having quality time with grand mama

and rocking out of course

Don't you love how the bridal pedi color looks in the sand?

Why do young girls like to do this? Are they looking for Mr. Perfect to sail in right at that moment?

Wait, behind you - he's up there!

I just love this guy - and now I must start to brace myself. He's going to fly away from me soon.

But not for another 2 months yet, sigh ...

Amazing

These guys are my heroes - do you know how hot it was at this point in the day? They just kept working and cleaning up. Most of them I only met the day before. Thank you guys!!!

Bridal Bliss

Thank the Lord with me for a wedding that didn't melt the cake or the people, OK, well, maybe the chocolate melted. What a blessing it was and how much we appreciated all the hands that put the finishing touches on everything. Thank you helpers!!

Also, please say a prayer for all the family and friends still in the area these next days, that they don't melt in the heat, that they can enjoy their time and arrive home safely.

Oh, yes, pray for these guys too as they begin their life together.

And now they're off!

Today

It's the morning of the wedding - just breathe!

Fair Play

Just so you know I love my sweet boy and his sweet wife - here's a photo of them.
Welcome home!

Groom Safety

Just when I was breathing a sigh of relief about getting the groom home safely from the woods without getting lost or breaking any bones, I see this:

and then this:

I think he will be re-assigned to some other jobs. Like flower arranging.

Peace and quiet

A moment of silence for our chimney nest of tweeters - they have been relocated and are most likely spending a very scary first night in the woods. Probably without their mama.


They looked pretty dazed when they were released to their first glimpse of the real world. Life is hard.

A Man Hike

Today we left early and hiked in to pick up our men. They had spent a couple nights out in the woods. Thankfully they took a nice cool bath before we got there for lunch. Otherwise we might not have claimed them.

By the looks of all their photos they had nice, relaxing time. Too bad about part of the wilderness getting burned in a forest fire a couple years ago.

Oh, and Logan wins the prize for the most mosquito bites. There's really too many to count but I would say 50 or so. Poor guy - but he's going back up there again in a few weeks. It's one of his favorite things to do. I think the backpacker bug bit Ryan too and he's hooked!

Bride Practice

There's lots to worry about before you get married.

Like how does this veil work? (of course that's not her real veil, it's mine!)

What will my hair look like?

Will it be sunny or cloudy?

What if nobody shows up?

When the stress gets too high you just have to clear your head of all the details and laugh.

It's going to be a fun day!

Time Out

It's hot and our work is done so the crew heads up to McDowell Creek.

The big river is still ice cold but this little creek is amazingly warm right here.

And today the boys go backpacking. The girls? Well, we'll find something fun and relaxing.