I love a good picture

If I ask Josh to smile for a picture, I generally get something like this:

My sister-in-law, Jen, is very talented. She takes beautiful pictures and is able to get a little more of a natural smile out of my children.

All 3 boys looking at the camera at the same time.. amazing!

Oh, and I just can't get enough of the rolls.

Thanks Jen!

Bear Lake 09

The weather this past weekend put a slight damper on our family reunion plans to sit in the sunshine at Bear Lake all day. We still had plenty of good times and even more good food.

All the cousins in their tie dye shirts (don't tell the boys that the red and blue dye actually turned out to be pink and purple..)

Grandpa and Neil

Grandma & Kyle

These boys obviously have work to do.

Apparently, little boys don't mind swimming in 60 degree temperatures. There was no keeping these kids out of the water.

'til next year

Cousins Day

Every summer, my family gets together for a cousins day of fun. This year we tie dyed shirts, baked mini pizzas, had a treasure hunt and played at a local splash park. Of course a day at Cheryl's would not be complete without a trip(or 2) to her costume closet. (forgive the un-profesisonal collage.. this is why I don't scrapbook.. also, if you click on it, I believe you can see it larger)

Photo shoot

My sister-in-law took some pictures for us this morning-- I think we got some great shots of the boys.. but this just about sums it all up from Kyle's perspective:

Tag (I'll try to do a real post soon..)

Tagged. Its been a while.. From Kristen & Dave

What is your current obsession? Getting my house clean & organized (its a very slow & painful process)

What do you hate the most that everybody else seems to love? Twilight (don't hate me)

What are you wearing today? flowered old navy shirt & grey capri pants

What's for dinner? It is Friday night, so I will be pushing for take-out (maybe Big Apple Pizza in the park...hmm.).

What would you eat for your last meal? Russ's grilled chicken, new garden potatoes, corn on the cob, caprese salad, perfectly chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream

What's the last thing you bought? a cart full of treasures from Target

What are you listening to right now? Joshua saying, "3-2-1- BLASTOFF"

What do you think of the person that tagged you? Kristen is a fantastic sis-in-law!

If you could have a house, fully paid for, and totally furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be? Maui

What is one of your hobbies? gardening (you wouldn't know by looking at the current state of my yard.)

What are 3 things that annoy you most? poor customer service, bullys,meetings that last too long

What is your favorite color? yellow or blue

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe? depends on the day.. probably my Keen shoes

What is your dream job? Being a stay-at-home mom who has it all together or an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist :-)

Describe your personal style. Mother of 3 small children

What are you going to do after this? just waiting for Russ to get home so we can go eat dinner

What inspires you? people who live lives of service

Who was the last person you kissed? Mr. Kyle's chubby cheeks

What are you currently reading? A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (good so far.. I'm only 4 chapters in)
What delighted you most today? corresponding with a friend regarding a girls trip to the Pacific NW in September..can't wait.

What made you laugh today? When Joshua woke up Neil from his nap-- he came and said, "You know why I woke up Neil from his nap? Because I was done playing with You." I'm so glad my boys are buddies.

What characteristic do you wish you had more of? organization (among others)

What is your favorite dessert? Homemade chocolate cake or chocolate chip cookies

I tag everyone who has nothing better to do. If you have something better to do, blog about that instead.The rule: Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog. Replace one question you dislike with a question of your invention or add one more question of your own.

Rewards

The rewarding part of gardening is just beginning..

We've been enjoying new potatoes (boiled until tender, toss with butter, fresh chives and parsley, salt and pepper)

And a few other tasty treats:

I'm waiting patiently for tomatoes. Is anyone else eating garden tomatoes yet? Maybe mine are just slow!

Happy 4th

Hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend. I lifted this photo from my brother Dave's blog since I did not take a single picture during our cabin weekend. Thanks for the good times!