Fran's Fam

My sweet friend, Fran, invited me out to their farm to snap a few pictures of her adorable family. How could I resist? After taking pictures of Kathy's incredible crew and now Fran's fam, I am hooked on family photography.

Plus, I've been wanting to sight in their beautiful red barn with my Nikon for a very.long.time now.

They are a sweet family, don't you think?

{this little buddy has the most irresistible hair}

Lil' buddy, you are breakin' my heart. . .

This Beautiful Family

Our families had so much fun hanging out at the park together.

An amazing family, the J-crew. Love, love, love your family!

enjoy your photos. . .

{these two lovebirds just celebrated their 10th anniversary - congratulations!}

Surprise Visit

From a dear, cherished, far away friend. . .a sister in the family of Christ.

Thank you, Kelly, for carving out time for a visit. I am grateful for each second we spent together!

{And a huge thank you to the two Dads who bathed kids and tucked them into bed last night so we could visit. You are the greatest!}

Preschool Pre-Med

* No cookie jars were harmed during this exercise.

Family Night at Camp and Home {safely} Home

Friday night was Family Night at Boy Scout camp. We were all very excited to go see where Braden had been camping all week long and hear from him what he'd been up to.

He was waiting for us at the archery range located just across the road from the parking lot. The littler brothers went running as Braden walked toward us. The reunion was so sweet. I'm just glad I was able to locate the camera in time, as I wasn't prepared to find Braden so easily.

After the brothers announced dibs on hugs I got into the action, too.

"Mom, I took a shower just before you got here. It was my second shower of the week. I knew you'd appreciate it."

The thoughtfulness moved me in ways a mother of boys can only be moved.

So touching!

We got a quick tour of part of the camp before heading over to the Parade Grounds and Chow Hall. I thought it was the Dining Hall, but if you are a cool Boy Scout Mom you refer to it as the boys do. Chow Hall.

Other than witnessing a boy amputate his finger just before knife safety class (!) and having his wallet stolen, he had a really great week. The whole wallet thing is so disappointing as one of the characteristics of a Boy Scout is trustworthy. A sign of our times, unfortunately.

Braden received 11 letters and one package {Auntie Laura, you ROCK!} and was so grateful for each note. His Mom is thankful, too, for the mail you sent him.

Thank you.

Braden showed us the campsite in which he has resided for the last week. Here is the outdoor kitchen where he fixed many meals.

{By the way, for the rest of the summer he has been assigned dinner over the firepit here at home. Rumor has it he can make some killer fajitas in the Dutch Oven.}

Some of the 'beautiful' landscaping just out the front door, only door I guess, of his tent. We call this species of plant Poison Ivy. It was everywhere.

Home away from Home.

This week at camp changed my son. Not only has he come home 10 shades darker, but he also seems to have put on about 5 years to his age.

Lowering of the flags before supper.

Supper.

I have to wonder how my Boy Scout survived on serving sizes this small all week long. No wonder he was so excited to cook his own meals over the fire!

The Chow Hall. Okay, just kidding. Just a really cute, abandoned home that sits on the highway around camp.

We celebrated his safe return with much prayer and praise and gratitude Saturday evening and topped all that off with homemade sundaes.

Welcome home, Braden!

And a HUGE thank you to all our friends and family who were praying for Braden {and his Mom} last week. We are so thankful for all our prayer warriors and humbled by your love as well.

This Morning

We can't seem to shake the puke bucket.

And since I am mostly sitting around, just waiting to jump up and put the bucket to use, I have been playing with our new camera.

It has some very cool features, like the above soft filter effect that can make a 5-yr old's illness a truly heart wrenching situation. Isn't that face pathetic?

Thankfully, this little dear is full of fire. He's been a great encourager all week and faithfully carried the puke bucket from room to room as needed.

He also has some completely pinchable cheeks and deep blue eyes. Perfect material for camera practice.

I found out that the camera has different filter effects. Very handy!

In an attempt to dodge housework this morning, {last I counted, I have done 13 loads of laundry since Monday - may I point out that it is still only Thursday morning?} I have been looking over a few pictures I am compiling for a special project. Once the work is all done I will post about it in detail, but for now I'll share a few 'test' shots for a job I am doing. A friend of ours owns a used bookstore and has asked if I would take a few book related pictures for his website.

Right now I am just trying to get a feel for the kind of pictures he wants, after that we'll do a real photo shoot.