Natural History is Fascinating!!

I am just now posting about my daughter's school field trip...boy, am I behind!

Kaplyn's 2nd grade class made a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History this year. Although I have been there a few other times before, it never ceases to amaze me! Just thinking of all the wonderful things God has created on this great earth for others to one day discover.





Chair made entirely of twisted crystal-like glass!!








One of my favorite gemstones found in Colorado.







Don't forget what we came to the museum to see........dinosaurs!!!





This is a teenage dinosaur. It was found connected to this huge piece of rock. When they brought it to the museum, the dinosaur (and rock) were transported there, cleaned up and displayed. The way it was found is exactly the way it is displayed!







Do you suppose when the doors are locked at night, that these two continue their conversation?!







This paleontologist was very quickly sifting through teeny-tiny pieces of rock with tweezers looking for slivers of dinosaur bone. You can see a close-up on the tv screen. Amazing!!!






Do not trust this guy when he says he just wants a nibble of your ice cream cone...





It was a very educational day full of gorgeous things...we can't wait to go back!!

Reiner is 5!!!!

My 4th child (3rd son) Reiner turned 5 this year. Oh my, what can I say about this little boy. He is a sweetheart with a slight case of temper. He is the worst mess maker, but the best cleaner-upper. He has one heck of an imagination, but that can cause some trouble in his future as he does this by reusing things that I throw away...can anyone say "hoarders?!!!"

For his portrait this year, he really wanted to show everyone that he is more than just a player of trains & cars...he can be handy to have around as well. Check it out!!







With wood and tools on hand, he is ready to build anything you could possibly need!








Showing off his "real" screwdrivers! Looks so nice in black and white!



Now that he has all of his "publicity" shots...Handyman for hire!!

My Baby Girl is 1!!!

I never thought it would happen....well, actually I did because it happened with the first of my 5 kids...Matlyn is 1! She really turned 1 in May, but I just got her portraits back today and wanted to post them with the blog.



I borrowed the tutu from my good friend Tonya...could you just die?!!!!






Black and White is always classic...my little beauty!!!





Her finger beside the cheek....that wasn't even coached, already a natural!!!


There were so many smiles during this shoot :)

Poison Ivy!!!

Living in a house surrounded by woods + 4 kids old enough to help landscape = 4 kids with poison ivy!








All 7 of us in one room, 5 of us waiting to be treated...Greg went the week before.








Meet Walter...He was created by Genin to amuse the 2 younger ones who were lucky enough to not have to work in the yard...

Book Review: "Departures" Two Rediscovered Stories by Robin Jones Gunn

Book Review: Departures; Two Rediscovered Stories by Robin Jones Gunn

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review:

Christy Miller & Sierra Jensen cross paths on their way to summer vacations that reveal what a gift it is to have a true Forever Friend.

Now Boarding at Gate 10. After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd's departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, an old firend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.

In the Event of a Water Landing. Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can't wait to spend her summer vacation with her friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana's only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it's possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidence.

My Review: Having previously read a book by Robin Jones Gunn, I was very excited to find another that I could review. This book worked a little differently. It seems to be 2 short sections of some longer books? I was actually a little confused on the fact that the back page review gave you the impression that these 2 girls lives were intertwined a little deeper than what they actually are. Both stories are still wonderful, but I would love to read a longer version of each one. Seems like there could be quite a story with a kind romance involved in each. Still a thumbs up for Gunn!!

Wordless Wednesday! Cool Pushpop

Giveaway Winner!!!! Purex Complete with Zout Detergent

I forgot to post the giveaway winner on Sunday for the Purex Complete with Zout Detergent. The winner is tpohill17. She said:

tpohill17 said...
i want to try purex complete with zout

May 25, 2011 10:41 AM

A coupon valued at $7.50 for a bottle of Purex Complete with Zout Detergent will be mailed to the winner.

Thanks to all who entered and watch for more giveaways!!!