Floods

For the past two weekends, our breaks from working on the old house have been trips to the riverfront. It's sad to see the water so far out of the banks. We made it down to see some of the damage near Oakville. Although I find this image to be so beautiful, it represents what has been destructing the land. The water is not in the boundaries of a lake or river, but has encroached the surrounding fields.I am not sure what the status of this building was before the water rushed through the area, but my guess is it was in one piece and the vehicle inside was sitting on all four wheels. There was debris all over (see the filing cabinet in the foreground?).

Prayers go out to those that have lost their homes and property to this disaster. Seeing how the residents of Louisa County (and the other counties devastated by this event) have come together to help each other reinforces why I live in this state!

Orange.

The color of the sky tonight was VERY orange. With storms rolling through, the clouds were left looking a bit eery between 8 & 8:30 tonight. Here's proof!
The picture of my clematis was taken a bit earlier in the evening as the rains rolled in. The poor flowers gave in to the weight of the water and bowed down for a while.

Ayden's Outing

Last night Ayden went outside of town with a neighbor to watch the wildlife. I sent a camera with him so he could practice taking pictures. He seemed to have a good time, and what a way to learn about nature and an artform at the same time! I'll have to teach him about manual settings, but I think he took some nice pictures on auto.

Here are some of his shots, SOOC.

He said they were pretty close. I think it's all pretty cool!

family reunion...kc style.

I'm ready for bed after a weekend of driving to the KC area and back. We had a nice stay at the Overland Park Embassy Suites after our family ( postponed Christmas-turned-reunion) get-together. Of course the day was enjoyable and it was great catching up with everyone in-person again. Here are a few of the pics I took with more to come...

Ayla (I'm sure you recognize her by now).Shantell. My cousin, who is also my age (and you don't need to know what that is...unless you already do).My cousin's daughter. She's the same age as Ayden.My cousin's son. He's Ayla's age.

hair.

This post is for cm (so glad your name isn't Brittany or something like that...I wouldn't be able to type your initials - ever - without LOL!).

Here's my new style. The pics aren't too bad for taking them myself within arm's reach. It's shorter in back and longer on the sides...something a bit different from my long-layered look. What do you think?

What would a post be without some pics of the kids. The DS is popular this summer.
...so is Ayla's imitation of a lion. Although she doesn't look fierce here, I assure you, she was all wrapped up while growling and chasing her big bro & sis.

house.

Sorry, no cute babies in the post today. Instead, I'll show you where we have taken residence. Looks are deceiving. From the front, it looks relatively small, and it was...until they had an addition built. The back end of the house holds a master bedroom, bath/laundry, and family room. The main part of the house has two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining, living room, and a full basement that is half finished. It has an unfinished shower down there. We are nearly settled and really like the house and neighborhood! Now you know where to find us!

"Bean"

I am having fun playing with the pics I took of Ayla-Bean on Sunday. Here are a few more edits.

These two are my favorites... Two versions of the same shot...Simple expressions...

In addition to my bit of picture play, I'm getting more done around the house. My pantry is shelved and filled (well, with what I have on hand, anyway). It's nice having all of this closet space! Feel free to stop by and see me if you're in town.

Personal Session

Ayla was all dressed up on Sunday, so I couldn't resist taking her out on the front steps for some pictures. She's slowly coming around to the idea that the camera really is okay. Plus, as my baby, she's becoming not-so-much a baby anymore. The time sure does fly!

April (and May) showers...

bring May flowers and now we're into June! I can't believe how this year is flying! Here are some pictures I took of the flowers blooming in Morning Sun a couple of weeks ago. I will miss seeing these in my yard every spring.

Fortunate for me, there are a bunch of beautiful perennials growing in my new yard to enjoy.