A little of what I've been working on...

I've had some really fun outdoor shoots lately.  I love doing outdoor shoots, the fresh air, the open spaces, it truly is my favorite.  I've been been fortunate to have some really fabulous clients this summer, here's a small peek of what I've been up to.

To be a kid again...

I am often reminded how fun it is to be a kid by watching Juliana and Tyler enjoy life.  Sometimes they laugh over the littlest things, other times they put aside discomfort for an experience they will always remember.  The other day we had our very good friends over for the day, we had planned a bbq and some outdoor fun, but it was 65 degrees and pouring all day, so we readjusted to an inside hang out and relax type of visit.  The rain however didn't deter the kids from wanting to jump in the pool.  It was so cold out, I couldn't believe they were swimming, however I know when I was a kid I would of done the exact same thing.

That night they had their cousins sleep over (I use the word sleep loosely here).  They all had a great time, and enjoyed some Mario Kart Wii in the morning together.

What fun it is to be a kid!

My new favorite...

I love inspirational art, if the saying is going to help me enjoy my day, then I want to look at it all the time.  Who doesn't need a pick-me-up or daily reminder?

This is my new (est) favorite, I printed it and hung it on one of my new blue walls, and it's just perfect.

A little bit of paint...

I decided to paint my livingroom/kitchen area as it was just too dark.  I like brown, but as I looked around one day I realized everything was brown, and I needed a little pick me up, brighter color.  After researching what color would go best with brown furniture and flooring I decided on a light blue.  It looks fabulous, if I do say so myself!

The only before picture I could find was from a couple of years ago and it's a very grainy picture, I was too excited once I had the paint cans home to remember to take a proper before photo.

And the after:

So much lighter and happier in there!  Now I have to repaint the family room and entry way as the colors don't go with the new blue.

A day in NYC...

We decided to head to New York City for the day on Saturday.  We are only a two hour drive from there and don't spend nearly enough time there.  The kids love the city, the sights, the sounds, the unique people (aka naked cowboy), the food...  it's all such an experience.  Especially now that we live in such a small town, it makes it extra "interesting" to visit.  We spent the day walking around and went to the top of the Empire State Building, we haven't done that since before the kids were born.  It's always great to see the city from so high up.  It was really neat to see the Freedom Tower (at Ground Zero) beginning to take shape, last time we saw it, it was only a foundation.

We ventured to Times Square, which is always a crazy adventure on a Saturday, as it's the most crowded place in New York.

One of the fun things about Times Square is you never know what you are going to see.  On Saturday they had a bunch of little Fiat's parked, and you could just sit in them, which the kids thought was great.  They are such tiny little cars they are kids size.

We stopped in M&M World before heading back home, it's always so much fun filling your own bag of M&M's!

We found this fabulous deli/cafe not too far from the Empire State Building, it's so nice to find an affordable and yummy place in the city.

We had such a fun day, can't wait to go back!

A few things we've been up to...

I hear the ticking of the end of summer clock getting louder and louder.  This does not make me happy, I love summer, I love everything about it, the weather, the fun, the sunshine, the activities, the late nights, the days lounging on the beach...  summer in New England is the best!  We've been busy filling up our days with fun.

My nephews turned four at the end of July and had a birthday party at their house, it was a perfect weather day.  A big jump house was front and center in the yard, and a pinata hung for the kids to hit with a bat and dive for sugary treats.

Tyler had to visit the pediatric cardiologist and we are happy to report that his ticker is in perfect working order, no need for any follow ups, he just has what is known as a normal murmur.

We had a visit from Steve's parents, the kids were so happy to spend a little time with Papa and Grandma Chris.  We went to Six Flags for the day and enjoyed the waterpark, the kids love the water slides and wave pool.  They did some puzzles together on their last night here, Juliana called it family puzzle night (everyday needs a theme).

On Sunday we celebrated my nephew Grants 5th birthday party.  It was at Jumpzone, a place full of huge inflatable jump houses and slides, the kids ran, jumped, and ate cake (really does it get any better then that)!  And they got to hang out with their cousins.

I can't wait to see what the final few weeks of summer has to bring for us!  Stay tuned.  :)

A scrumptious dinner...

My Mother-in-law, told me about a fabulous recipe she had tried.  The best thing about it, is you can customize it however you'd like.  I instantly knew how I wanted to make mine, and made them for dinner tonight.  Unfortunately neither Juliana or Tyler would even try a nibble, but that was expected, especially from Juliana who decides she does or does not like something just by the name of it.  Steve and I however thoroughly enjoyed it.  They are Portabella Mushroom Lasagna.

Recipe is super easy,

Spray each mushroom front and back with a little oil, bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, take out of oven and put some sauce and spinach on them, bake for an additional 5 minutes, take out of oven and top with mozzarella cheese and bake until cheese is melted, that's all.   You can really make them however you would like, with ricotta, parmesan, zucchini, the possibilities are endless.

Enjoy!