Camera Practice #1

I got a camera awhile back and still can't use it the way I KNOW it can be used...

SOOOOOOOOOOOO I thought I would practice, I got these two handsome fellows 

for the morning and thought I would take some photo's of them....I have to admit, that 

I can't capture half of their cuteness in the poor photo's that I take...BUT with practice, I hope to 

be able to do better! They are adorable and such fun little boys!

"Awe Grandma....not MORE pictures, I'm so done with them!".....what funny kids!

Yep, Kayson had enough of the "smiling"....he crashed and fell sound asleep!

I got a lot of pictures, and a lot of practice, BUT I need more before I feel confident in using my 

BIG camera (because I have a small camera that I love, but it can't quite take the COOL pictures that the BIG one will eventually be able to take....with the owner learning how to do it).

Here's to one day being able to take AWESOME pictures!

Summer Hiking...Headed To The Top

There is a hill/mountain (depends on your perspective of what a hill or mountain is) behind my house. Its quite a jont to the top, but I wanted to climb it this summer as part of my "Summer Bucket List". 

One sunny Saturday morning, Halle and I ventured out to make this happen. 

Every step you take, you can see more and more of the neighborhood and the town below......

The pictures just don't do the view justice...its a bit breathtaking and crazy beautiful. You can see 

where the town begins and ends...its gorgeous!

As we walked farther up the mountain, we looked off into the distant to see this "make shift potty"...

Didn't know for sure what to think about it....interesting for sure!

Finally made it to the VERY top and could see the entire town......I love this little place I live!

The cactus were in bloom, something that comes and goes so quickly that you don't often see

the beautiful flowers that the ugly cactus produce.

On TOP of the mountain with  the cell towers and other "towers" that keep our electronic 

devices going............

We hiked for about 2 hours....ventured home and ate homemade Baklava, something that 

I ADORE!

It was a great trip and a fun day!......I am glad I live in a place where I have "adventures" 

right out my door!!

In Honor Of....the ones I love~

Memorial Day is one of those times that cause us to reflect on our loved ones

that have passed...at least it does me. I wasn't able to visit the graves of all those that have gone, but

I was able to visit one the cemetery where a few of them are buried. 

I have been lucky enough to have many wonderful people in my life, as a child as well as an adult. My grandparents on both sides of my family have always played an important, and special part of my life. 

Not too long after I was married, we moved to a city that was very close to my dad's parents. I got 

to spend alot more time with them. Grandpa and Grandma were always there for me. It didn't matter

whether I needed a recipe, a babysitter, a friend or just a hug...I knew that I could call or visit them any time

and they would be there for me. I miss them terribly and can't wait for the day when I get to see them again. Dayna, Halle and I were able to pay a visit to the cemetery where they are buried, along with one of my dear cousins who just passed last year, a very special uncle and my sister, 

who was born, and also died before I entered the world.   

Some may not feel that it "appropriate" to take pictures at the graveside of someone that you love, 

but I feel its a great comfort to be where their body lay to rest and feel like in a small way I can still be with them. As I sat there looking at the headstones I had many wonderful memories come to mind of these special people and am grateful for the time I was able to spend with them on earth. 

As we sat by my sisters headstone, I couldn't help but wish that I knew her, that she could have known my children. I think she would have loved them so much and been such a fun, special aunt. I imagine her taking them places and spending time with us....I miss her, even though I didn't know her!.....Someday, I have faith, that I will see her again!

Till we meet again!!! I love you all!