“Learn to limit yourself; 

to content yourself with some definite work; 

dare to be what you are 

and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not;

and to believe in your own individuality.”

Henri-Frederic Amiel

Loving fall leaves, days filled with sunshine and rain, crisp days, apple cider, pots of chili, and the call of the indoors as the days grow shorter...

Love that I was able to go on an autumn walk with my little cousin Dawson and that he pointed out perfect leaves, skittering creatures and summed up our walk with, "Isn't this magnificent?"

Yes sweet boy this is definitely magnificent.

“Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.” - Victor Hugo

Sometimes, the right quote comes to me at the right time. This is one of those quotes. When I read it this morning I was reminded to rest and be at peace.

I am so thankful for so many things. One is the greatness of children. How they see the world, their honesty and love of life.

This is Dawson, my cousin's sweet ten year old boy, who is a joy always. He speaks truth in love and he speaks words of wisdom and encouragement. On a trip to his grandma's I gave him my camera to document the weather. I love him. He is amazing.
Silly, silly boy. How great you are. You make me smile even when I don't see you.
The weather was frightful, like we were "entering another dimension" as Dawson said.
He told me this picture (below) was his favorite...it is pretty cool.
He took about 20 pictures of the rainbow (and double rainbow)...I liked this one as it was a little further down the road...notice the difference in the sky.
Dawson, you are an amazing photographer. I am blessed to be called Auntie by you. Thank you for your love!

btw...Dawson told me that the cards his mom and I made this day were "beautiful, like a professional. I bet Hallmark would hire you." And the thing is he was being completely genuine...Thanks buddy!

weekend recap

Where shall I start? Maybe with a weekend breakdown...

Friday Archer and I began our summer vacation. Quick trip to town, lunch, a new video game (really...what else is there to do in the summer? whatever).
Saturday was DeAnne's graduation party.
Sunday lunch with Troy and a BBQ at my cousin Lorinda's.

Okay. So those are the facts. What really happened?

What about the lessons I learned this weekend? That may be much more fun for you.
Lesson 1 - I am not in the 18 - 22 year old range anymore. Interpret that how you will.
Lesson 2 - umm....Okay. I think one lesson is enough. If you think you want details you may want to think again.
Oh yea - maybe lesson 2 should be make sure battery in camera is charged prior to party...

I got a few shots over the weekend (before the dead battery).

*The Graduate* All decked out like a movie star. Those are some rockin' pants and sunglasses!

Alex who looks like he walked out of Top Gun (which he has never even seen...). Where does one find sunglasses like that? I have to admit he pulls them off pretty well.

One of my favorite things is seeing my big brother with his son. I never thought I would see the day. He is truly a great father and Nick is a wonderful little boy! We bought Nick some "big" books and he spent much time reading...Lovely.

Cousins. I am so grateful that Lorinda's boys are such great friends to Archer. It is precious to have friends that are family. (Caleb, Dawson, Archer)

My cousin Kelly, who wasn't able to join us, sent his kids up for the day with his sister. I haven't seen Kelly in years, however I usually get to see the kids a few times a year. This is Skylar and Alexis. Darling girls.

Kelly's son Ty who is just days older than Nick. Ty is a hard one to get a picture of. I have quite a few of him running away from me. As soon as I would hold up the camera away he would run!

One last one of the graduate. Sweet, smiley girl (don't let the cute fool you! haha)!

Happy Monday. First Monday of summer vacation! Yay!