First camping trip of 2010!

This past week the kids and I went on our first camping trip of the season. Aunt Carolyn rented a cabin at our new favorite spot, Taughannock State Park. For Natalie it was her second time camping and for Ryland it was his very first time! Our plans were to stay for one night but by the second day we were having such a good time we decided to stay two!



It's hard to explain that "feeling", when you're in the middle of the woods with very few modern luxuries that you're use to. You'd think that it would be such a horrible thing but in reality it's the greatest feeling you'll ever have. All of your worries somehow seem to disappear...



There's little to do when you're camping but relax and enjoy the simple things in life. Like listening to the sounds of nature, reading, taking a walk, swimming, roasting food by the fire, talking with family and for me, sweeping out the cabin every 15 minutes.





We had a short hike to the bathroom/shower but when you have dirty feet and smell like a campfire, there's nothing more refreshing! After many years of camping I've learned that the best thing to do in the bathroom/shower house is to wear water shoes and try not to look at the walls or floor to closely...that's if you're lucky to even have such a luxury! I can remember many camping trips with Thomas where we had to wash in a stream and find a private area in the woods to go to the bathroom.

I'm so glad that Natalie and Ryland enjoy camping as much as Thomas and I, I could just see that spark in their eye...they experienced the "feeling." They loved EVERY minute of our trip and when it was time to go, there were tears. This week we were all in our element and it was just what I needed. I slept like a baby on that hard, little twin bed...even with Natalie taking up 90% of it!



I can honestly say that love everything about camping and I'm so happy that my kids will grow up to love it to!



Right now I'm missing the smell of a campfire...

Once upon a rainy Tuesday...

To make the best of a rainy day you:

1) Go to the library and take out 14 books.

2) Sit on the front porch and read those books.

3) Plant sunflower seeds in the pots that Aunt Betsy made.

4) Run around outside in the rain and jump in the puddles!

5) Come inside, get dryed off, sit on the potty chair and put your "hockey helmet" on!

Bring on the the rainy days!

Long Family Pictures

This past Friday I had the privilege of taking pictures of a beautiful family...

Endless Summer Fun!

Nothing can replace the feeling of summer. When the weather is perfect, warm and bright, the only thing you want to do is be outside relaxing and having FUN! I can find excuses for everything, laundry, making dinner and pretty much anything that's a routine chore! All of that can wait because weather like this doesn't stick around for long. And whether you're at the pool, on a walk, having a picnic or just sitting outside in the sun, at that point in time there's nothing more important!



1, 2, 3...JUMP!

Ready, Jump!

Best Dad in the world!

Snack time!

Raisin fingers!

Raisin toes!

~This can only happen after 2 full hours of swimming~

Ryland watching the "tractoe" in the field.

Backyard picnic at home.

Double birthday bash!

Today was a very special day, we celebrated two birthdays.

My Nephew Kaleb turns 2 on June 15th, just two days after his mommy's birthday. Happy birthday cutie pie!

My sister Brandee turned 33 years old today and looks more beautiful than ever!

Another big family get together for the Connors family, it's been a weekly event for the past couple of months. However, the drive never gets old and the special feeling that I get when we're all together only gets stronger. It must be something about the country air or maybe it's just the way my family comes together, it always seems so natural and comfortable. Everyone shows such enthusiasm when it comes to birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. My mother is the heart of it all, she spends so much time planning these gatherings. I admire her because she always seems so full of life no matter what the circumstances, she's constantly putting the needs of others before herself. She has a way of making everything so special, never expecting anything in return.

My dad isn't the biggest party person but he's always a good sport. With Father's Day and his birthday approaching I've been thinking a lot about what this man means to me. Simply put, he's my hero. He never complains. He never judges you and always offers the best advice. His qualities are convicting. Not to mention he can fix ANYTHING!

So many cousins to play with, the best kind of friends. Everyone enjoys the carefree, childish fun...even the adults.

I must admit that there was a time when I dreaded those endless family functions and tried to come up with ways to avoid them. With time I've learned to cherish the time we have together and embrace all of the people who I love so much.

One beautiful mom and her two adorable boys...

Happy birthday Kaleb!

Happy birthday to my amazing sister!

(I must give credit where credit it due. The last three posts would have not been possible if it weren't for an unselfish mother-in-law who is always there when I need something. My one and only camera lens broke about a week ago and I've been waiting for my new one to arrive. In the meantime, my mother-in-law Ann has been so nice to let me borrow her awesome camera...many thanks!)