Overview Part 3 Happy Birthday, Hannah!

The eyes say it all.

Elita happened to be puppy-sitting Teddy, so I think he had a fun time too

She has such a cute smile! 'Love that girl!

Hanna likes to get Lady into the festivities.....

and Lady is more than happy to comply

Overview Part 2 Illinois State Fare

This was taken at the end. She's so happy. :)

Entering the ring

Victory Pass!

Sittn' Pretty....

The Back-Up

Standing out

You can see his good form right there.

Stacy B  :)

Mike leads the champ out

Here's our Winner!

                                                      

Overview Part 1 Starved Rock

 

I honestly have no idea what possessed this tree to grow in such an odd way....

 

...and this is the drop-off on which Reanne gave Anna and I a heart-attack.

 

The Group :)

 

Morning's Glory

With the morning's dew coating anything and everything, it brought some inspiration, and the motivation to get outside and snap some shots. Here are a few of my favorites of the batch;

 

 

 

 

Lavender!

I finally decided to trim the lavender plants out front, and employ Elita and Hannah to help separate the sprigs into bundles for sachets. I don't have any pictures of Elita unfortunately because when I had the camera out, she was in the other room talking to a special friend who's birthday was today.
I think Hanna enjoyed it, and I know Mom loved walking through the room, relishing the calming essential oils' vapors drifting through the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

Lots and lots of lavender!

 

In bundles and about to be tied

 

The finished product

 

Ready for drying!

Gone Roofin'

I know I've skipped quite a few events such as Elita's Bday, and a few other random things, but I'll be sure to get back to those later! (LW) So anyway, I will blog about this event while it is still fresh in my mind.
Today we went to help our wonderful friends, the Bandys, work on their roof. It was a great evening filled with laughter, fun, food...... and work! But who minds when you are surrounded by such great friends, and have an opportunity to serve others! It makes it, dare I say, fun! Yes, from hefting shingles, to climbing ladders. Scaling the roof, to toting a wheelbarrow with three people because it's wheel was flat. These are memories that make my life what is is today, and what it will be tomorrow.
After arriving, we were soon joined by some of our other awesome friends, the Niesens, with Jeff who's a pro at roofing. You should have seen that nail gun fly!
After about half and hour or so, "Dinner!" was called, and in no time we were being treated to an amazing (as always if it was made by the Bandys) Dinner of Garlic bread rolls with meatballs and tomato sauce, salad with Fetta Cheese, and other things that can be put under the category of "Delish"!
Going back out we were ready to hit the roof, or at least that crew, while the ground crew, among other things, hauled shingles up the ladder, and onto a stack where they could be easily accessed. I think I can feel my muscles growing as we speak. ;) Anyway, without further ado, enjoy the pictures as you catch a glimpse of our evening!

 

 

Dad wanted me to photoshop in some big muscles :)

 

Workin' on a roof, you need walk extremely carefully

 

Those ladders were moved around quite a bit!