48 • Wisconsin

Wisconsin

This picture is really out of order. This was from Memorial Day weekend -- I agonized over selecting a photo from that weekend to post, and apparently never made a decision!

I actually don't like pine trees very much at all. I mean, I like the green color during winter, but in general, especially in suburbia, I think they always somehow look dirty and unhealthy. But even I love how this photo looks -- and it makes me think about how all it takes is a really close (intimate) look at something to see its beauty. How many people look a disheveled mess on the outside, but begin to shine in our eyes once we speak with them and learn their story, their passions, their hopes, their longsuffering through pain. A good lesson to remind us not simply to "never judge a book by its cover," but to take the time to open the cover and read the book.

47 • Corn

Corn

I know corn on the cob is a popular summer staple, but I had no idea a tropical parrot would enjoy it as much as my kiddos do. I love the rich, vibrant colors of this bird, and juxtaposed with the bright yellow corn, how could I not love this photo?

46 • Delicioso

Delicioso!

Not a morsel of chocolate nor a smear of ice cream escaped my kitty cat's tongue during our special lunch downtown. She made darn sure of that.

44 • The morning after

The morning after

43 • Liftoff

Liftoff

A great way to spend Father's Day: Steve being the quintessential wonderful dad that he is, blasting off rockets with the kids in the park near the house where he grew up.

42 • Wash day

Wash day

There is something magical about water, a sponge, and soapy bubbles on a hot day.

41 • Rain

Rain

The rain rain rain came down down down

and the kids ran out to greet it.

Their tongues tongues tongues got wet wet wet

as they stuck em out to taste it.

Morning spring rains are great for barefeet pajama running around outside. You'd have thought I spent a hundred dollars on a new toy, the way they were giggling and jumping and looking at me so lovingly, cool wet drops dripping from their chins, ears, and noses.