Swinging at Luke's party

First Haircut

What are you doing, putting me in the garbage?


Are you sure you know what you're doing?


Hey, not too bad, Dad! You can have a second career!

Flight of the Butterfly

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Finally, success! There were two other butterflies in the garden today, but this is the first one I've caught on film. Jonathan and I saw the first one early this afternoon. It flew right around us, but I didn't have my camera at the time. The second one was in the garden with this one that I got on camera, but it flew away when I was coming up the stairs. I looked up the picture, and this butterfly is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. They are normally the butterfly most attracted to the butterfly bush, but this one seemed more interested in the zinnias, though it did visit the butterfly bush at one point. I'm not sure what kind of butterflies the other two I saw today were, but I will try to get some more on film if I can. I'm so happy and excited that the butterflies are finally finding the garden! woo hoo!

A tribute to my Nonnie

This is a picture of my Nonnie, Rena from 2000. She passed away August 4, 2005.

I had a dream about her a few days after she died, and I'll never forget it. She was washing dishes in her kitchen, something she always did. I realized, although it was a dream, that she had passed away. I asked her why she had come all the way back to wash dishes, to which she replied "I like washing dishes."

She walked toward the cabinet to retrieve some items, and I was grief stricken, even in my dream. "Why didn't you ask God just to let you live a little bit longer?"

She looked right at me and smiled, "I did, about fifteen years ago. Isn't God great?"

Right after her response I awoke.

There is something about the relationship between a grandmother and a grandchild that is never forgotten and always longed for. I now have no grandparents, and it makes me feel quite sad and alone sometimes. I am so grateful that Jonathan can enjoy all four of his grandparents, and his great-grandmother- Mike's grandmother. I am also grateful that I have my memories of both my grandmothers and can share them with my children when they grow.

Fun with Laundry

Jonathan loves the laundry basket! Today he decided to crawl right in.
If there were clothes in there, he would have just thrown them over his shoulder, another favorite activity!

butterfly update

This morning I saw a black butterfly with white spots near the garden. I didn't realize it was there, until I walked up the stairs and scared it away. I don't know the name of it, but I'm trying to keep track of what I see. I found out the other day that I should have planted more of each flower, because the butterflies are attracted to a big display of one flower. Oh well. I did see another black butterfly that likes the zinnias the other day.

Hopefully they'll start to come more regularly so I might be able to get some pictures.

Another pool picture

taking a ride

Um, Mom, I think you're too big for this car!!

the pool

Jonathan having fun in the pool. Dakota wants to have fun too!