this & that & this & that

Another fourth of July has come and gone. It was a morning spent sweltering in the heat at a small town parade, followed by a lazy day spent with napping children, and topped off by a rainy/stormy/humid evening of food, fireworks, family and friends.

Ephraim spent a solid portion of the day just like this. He has been working hard at growing some teeth and fussing his way through a growth spurt, so the nap on me was greatly appreciated. Most of the time I let him nap in his bed...but not on this day. On this day he slept sprawled out on my chest as I read through my book, messed around on my phone, and enjoyed the quiet that the napping hour brings to my house. Thank you Jesus for NAPS!

Thanks to such awesome Florida weather, by the time evening rolled around so did the storms. It was a torrential downpour for awhile and that was followed by drizzly rain the rest of the night. It made for the wettest Fourth of July I can remember and it certainly didn't bode well for picture taking. That was okay though...Olivia stayed in the safety of her GIGI's living room because she was petrified of the noise and Willow was to scared to even hold a sparkler. Ephraim spent the evening inside so this is all I got by way of photos! haha

Aunt Bekah provided a point of security for Willow and Maren. These were my favorite two photos after going through my camera.

Lastly, I was able to do something really cool recently. My brother-in-law is the drummer for the band, Anberlin. He thought to ask ME to take some studio/practice photos before they went out on their acoustic tour this past month. I can't post them all because I'm not sure what they are using them for yet, but I had to post at least one little sneak peak! This was such a different experience for me as a "photographer" and I had a lot of fun doing it. They tour alot...if they are ever in your town do yourself a favor and GO SEE THEM!

Oh and one more lastly....and this is really my last. A special shout-out to my beautiful sister Elizabeth. Today is her birthday. She is my confidant, my venting partner, my second closet, my partner in mommy-hood, and, along with my other amazing sisters, my best friend. I love you Elizabeth!