8-30, Silly Kids

When I set up for a photo session, it's always helpful to have subjects to test the lighting.  Let it be said that it's more helpful to have willing subjects, but anyway.... details.  These two jokesters, one willing and one not so much, were my fill-ins last week.  And, let it be known, that sometimes the only good pics I can get of these two is under the 'test subject' concept.  Here they are, Nik is now 13 and Em is 4.  Can't you just hear her saying (with her exaggerated 'th' sound she's been working on) "I love my brother!"    

7-26, Garnet, MT

So, as I wrap up this year's summer vacation, I close with one of my favorite excursions-- a visit to a ghost town.  This was not even on the original agenda, how lucky am I?  As we were sitting at Randy and Vickie's one night for dinner, Randy was talking about how he finally went and saw Garnet.  "Garnet?"  you ask-- well, so did I.  Apparently, not too far from Missoula is a well-kept ghost town!  Who knew?!  I begged Sven to add that to our on-the-way-home short-list of stops.  We didn't get more than an afternoon to spend at Garnet, but it was so neat to see.  For all of you Montanans, like Randy, who'd see the sign on I-90 and wonder what you're missing, STOP-  just take the time to go see it.   If you are at all intrigued by ghost towns and local history, you won't be disappointed!

For my As Eye See It gallery images:  

Finding Focus: 7-26, Garnet

7-25, River Living

We couldn't let the kids have all the fun, so Sven and I came back and crashed their party.  Although Sven and I had a great time in Seattle and on Whidbey, it was so nice to get back to the pace of river life for a few days, see the kids and spend time with Thad and Kelly.  Note though, that I don't think the kids were as excited to see us as we were to see them!  I think they both would have been just fine if we had continued on home without them..... though I think Thad and Kelly might have objected to that!!  Who wants to go back home anyway where only work and school await?  Yeah, kids, we get it, but life goes on.  Maybe we can convince Thad and Kelly that we should do this every summer?!  LOL.....  

7-23, Kids in Coeur d'Alene

As you know, Sven and I hightailed it out of Idaho leaving our kids in Kelly's competent hands.  Are you wondering how it really went?  Here is a small photo diary from Thad.  The proof is in the pudding--- the kids were just fine without us!  How adorable are these........

Emalie is still psyched that Aunt Kelly bought her a new Spiderman toothbrush.
(Thanks, Aunt Kelly! )