Tuesday, August 30, 2011

cooling off at the creek

It's no beach, but cooling off down at the creek is one of our favorite summer past times.  Last summer, our little bird was too young to experience the frigid temps of the snow run off. This summer, he took to the cold water like a duck.  

Getting used to the water.

A Mama and a Bird hold onto each other. 

 Pick up rock, throw in water, make a splash, giggle, repeat. 

A duck in his own right. 


I love this moment captured between Avi and I.  Thanks Jenn.
Avi pointing and showing Mama "a da" (a dog). 
Sharing a seaweed snack. 

Family Portrait 1

Family portrait 2

Monday, August 29, 2011

Birthday Crown


Inspired by Amanda at Soulemama I made Avi's Birthday Crown.  As promised, I finally got some photos.  I have actually made six crowns for various kidlets, but forgot to take photos before we gave them away. 





I will photograph and post the whole process the next time I make one.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Grand Tetons National Park

A wonderful vacation with Jenn's family.  

"I've seen clouds from both sides now..."
these views - harbingers of the majesty of our weekend
the whole gang
Always ask a stranger to take a picture of everyone! I love these captured moments.





Our digs...
Our cute cabin... thanks G & G for a great trip with cozy diggs


early morning moments
savoring the snuggling



As we started our morning hike to Inspiration Point, I noticed this tree destroyed by Mountain Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae. I also live in the Rocky Mountains and see the effects of this epidemic everyday - much worse in Colorado than we saw on this trip to the Tetons. 

I think our tendency when we are in nature is that we tend to move our cameras a few inches to the left or right and snap the "beautiful" photo..... free of the reality of death or destruction. When I saw this barren tree through my viewfinder, I decided to go against the tendency - this photo below is the result. 
Pine Beetle damage

an undisturbed spider web


on the ferry across Jenny Lake

Happy hiking companions 

Seester taking in the beauty
The smaller side of beauty

columbine



Mama, Ema, and a snoozing babe in the pack - hidden falls 

Yellow bellied marmot
On this particular morning hike we saw this marmot as well as a pica which was too fast for me to capture.  No bears, Jenn was thankful for no bears.

Inspiration Point

Mama and Avi taken a break



Grandpa and Grandma aka Jenn's parents

Mama holding the rocks to keep her footing, Avi holding the rocks to mimic Mama

I cannot recall the name of this flower



After a long morning hike, and some afternoon activities, we would gather on this beautiful lawn in front of our cabins for nursy, playing and just plain relaxing.
Postcard perfect

Even a nursing babe can take a moment to wave, "hello"



Family self portrait



I love these two!




The first time I was bucked off a horse I was in utero.  Soon after I came along, my family moved and we got rid of the horse we owned (aptly named Buck).  But that didn't stop my love for it.  I had subscribed to Horse Quarterly as a young girl and rode 4-H even though we didn't own a horse.  I rode on the equestrian team in high school and began learning natural horsemanship just a few years ago.  I still don't own a horse, but someday I will.  In the meantime, these moments will have to suffice! 

If I could ride everyday, I would.  On vacation I did! With Seester!

A beauty!

Yep, I can't help it... I love him!

Grandma and Avi - a special love!



We went into Jackson Hole for BBQ for dinner one night.  Grandma captured this great photo of Avi eating spare ribs for the first time.  

Two fisted spare ribs

We need more vacations.  Time spent with loved ones.  Time without cell phones, email, t.v., calendars, etc.  Time spent taking in the awe and wonder of this world.  Time to slow.  Time to breathe deep.  Time to love. We need more vacations.

Friday, August 26, 2011

this moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.



Inspired by Soulemama


Friday, August 12, 2011

(this moment)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.







Inspired by Soulemama

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Backyard playthings

What began as a quick trip to the clothesline turned into three hours of backyard playing. Meanwhile, inside, the floors were left unswept, the dishes unwashed, and the beds unmade. Everything was perfect. Avi led the way while I followed and captured a few shots along the way.  

Exploring limited spaces with my body
Balancing

 And testing gravity

This rock fits inside my fist... I'm hiding it

Blueberry snack while I listen to the hens next door

Ema and I gaze at the clouds through the leaves on the tree

This is what we see