Sunday, July 31, 2011

I was sitting at the table doing schoolwork---

When all of a sudden...........................











Yes, right outside my window, in the middle of the day, Buck was looking in at us. So, Kirby and I grabbed the camera, and as Buck went to the backyard to eat we did some filming. This is what we ended up with.



Monday, July 25, 2011

Pioneer Day!

Yesterday and today are quite a holiday in Utah. We celebrate the day the first Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) I often take this holiday for granted. My ancestors were not pioneers coming into the valley, nor did they, as far as I know, support this cause.

Last year I realized that Pioneer day while literally celebrating the Mormon pioneers, also has a figurative meaning. All of our ancestors came to America from somewhere. They may not have joined the Latter Day Saints in coming to the Salt Lake Valley, but they did come from somewhere.

My parents are pioneers. They were the first people in both of their families to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This took as much courage for them as it took for the pioneers. What awaited them was not always pleasant. Some of their family members accepted them because of the belief that what my parents had joined themselves to was not necessarily bad. Judgements were put aside because these family members knew they didn't know enough about this church to make a decision about its goodness. Other family members became antagonistic toward my parents and consequently our family. Whatever the reasons, these people decided that the church my parents joined was not good and endeavored to show my parents the mistake they had made.

My parents are strong like the pioneers in the 1800s. They have worked to show who they really are. They strive to put aside differences in religion, politics, and anything else that may separate them from those they love. They strive to show through their actions that they are good people. They serve others, look for ways to let others know they are cared about, and are faithful to what they believe.


(Picture by Connie B Photography)

So, to my parents, modern day pioneers, I salute you. Your children and grandchildren love you more than you know. You have left a legacy that will not be forgotten.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Cutest Kids....AKA....Are You Tired of My Pictures Yet?

Can't help it! I've got the cutest nieces and nephews of anyone around. They weren't all there for the holiday, but these few were there when I was taking pictures. These pics are my favorite (or perhaps only) pictures of them from this visit!








Las Vegas Vacation

I love Las Vegas! Mostly, anyway. We went to LV for two nights and one full day before we went to Arizona. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from LV.


Met Pete Rose,





Shopped for sunglasses and rested before the shows,







Thought of a certain sister-in-law when I saw this sign,




Went to see the Jabbawockeez (mime dancers),






Took some sightseeing photos along the way,








Went to Tournament of the Kings,







Had a great time!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

July 4, 2011

What a fiesta filled day! Sean and Cindy did a fabulous job with party planning. Mom and Dad did fabulous decorations. Sarah proved that she can really take those portrait shots. But.....the saddest part of the day was that our previous blogger/picture taker pro was not there. Therefore, I felt it my obligation to attempt to stage a photo shoot for her so we could all pretend she was there. However, as you will be able to tell, my attempts at arrangement need a little work. So Connie--this is totally for you!

I started with this picture just because my sister, Tricia, did an AWESOME job making desserts! Looked so good....and festive.





Um.....not so artistic (obviously Tricia has the artistic streak). Connie said with practice anyone could do it.... Ha!

So......







Now I love the holiday-but did I really think this wasn't too much red, white, and blue in one shot? Try again......






Really needs something else.....






That just doesn't do it for me. How about this?





Well, I've only got a few more and these are a different dessert that Tricia made! Oh yeah--

Just be patient with me--I really wanted to show Connie I could do it......







Okay, Connie--I suppose I can't be you--but I'm not going to stop trying to be artistic with something! Hmmm...wonder what I could do with Photoshop?