4th of July

My Dad called and Nishad picked up the phone and he responded, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" YES! Happy Birthday, America! We celebrated with a bonfire, s'mores, pool action and a BBQ. Life is good! Ashish and I also knocked off a lot off our "to do" list. There's always tomorrow! :)

Time-out

In previous years we would spend a week in Bemidji, a week in Duluth and a weekend stay in Saint Paul for the summer. However, this year we decided to skip the road trips and enjoy the only nice season Minnesota really has to offer- summer! Now is not the time to "go away" but instead, soak in as much of the benefits of having a wonderful backyard. In turn, we'll save Ashish's weeks of vaca time to make a b-line for warmth during the winter months (preferably January!). That's when we all really need a vacation!

The plan was to just enjoy the kiddos last summer without being enrolled in school (Nishad starts his second year of preschool and Tiger will join him, across the hall, in the toddler community this Autumn!). Exciting times for the boys- and for me, as I will have three hours for me in the mornings. Whether it's going back to school to venture down a different career path into 'communication studies' (which coincides with the non-verbal art form of photography and much of the PR I've already experienced in addition to my love of writing) or even an exercise class. This will be the first time in almost 4 years that I will have this special time, once again.

...However, I booked us a little getaway. We, as a family, really needed to get away from the stress of things back home. I went from having pneumonia in May (Mother's Day) to finding out, the last day I was on meds, that my sister passed away. I was in Chicago for the wake and funeral, which all took a toll on me and now I'm still dealing with issues that my sister didn't take care of. On top of it all, my Dad shared with me that he has a brain tumor. SO. It was time to just take a break- and remember what is really important and value all that is so precious in life.

We headed off to Duluth and stayed at a different place this year; The Edgewater Waterpark and Resort. The kids enjoyed the waterpark, but honestly, I would have rather paid more money and stayed at the Inn on Lake Superior. Being right in the midst of Canal Park is lovely and the hotel is well kept up, has a great staff and so many extra perks that make being a guest memorable. The Edgewater was the loudest hotel we've ever stayed at, the rooms weren't that great and the waterpark was rather dark. However, we were together- that's really what mattered!

While visiting Canal Park I was interviewed by the local news station about "What it means to me to be American." Pretty fun! Nishad wasn't phased at all...he just kept chomping away on his sammy as Mom chatted on and on! :)

We headed back home in time for the 4th- with a big "TO-DO" list! Isn't it always when you own your own house? It's good to have a house...so I won't complain.

Zoo Days

We had a fantastic time with the D's today hangin' at Como Zoo and Conservatory! We were even able to get some family pics in- we're such productive families! It was a joy to watch E and Nishad ride the rides together. They are growing at such a similar rate- it's so much fun to witness.

It was literally a "zoo" there today! We even had an unfortunate experience while leaving. We put the kids in a car and started to load our stuff when all of a sudden, a man on a cell phone started talking about how he was going to "save this space." Well, another man in a car that had been waiting all the while we were loading the kids, stroller, etc. approached him and said, "I'm sorry, Sir. What did you say?" The man quickly went on about "THIS" space was saved and no one else can have it. I thought, "Is he serious?" Apparently so! I quickly told Ashish, let's get out of here (which would also help the guy so his wife can pull in the spot) as who knows what would happen. Then, Ashish told me that the guy (saving the spot) called the other guy a terrorist! He said, "So now I'm a terrorist because we were waiting for this spot?" AMAZING! Such ignorance among us.

E-I-E-I-O

On one of the hottest days this season, we loaded up and headed out to the historic Kelly Farm, in Elk River. Times may have changed, but they've been doing things the same for the past 100 years. We really enjoyed spending time with D and S again. The boys get along so well together. We had a picnic, complete with a pig and cow that tried to steal our lunches (the animals roam freely on the farm!).

Daddy's Day!

Happy Daddy's Day! This year Mommy had a shoot on Father's Day, so we all headed to the Minneapolis Art Institute, took in some culture and my assistants helped me capture some funky pics of Chicks on Sticks! After we headed to Fish Lake. We've really been soaking up the beaches this summer, but we've also taken advantage of swimming at home...as it's been quite hot and humid.

Sandbox

Nails, Hammers, Wood and Sand paper...mark, set, go!

Nishad's school has an award winning outdoor environment, which includes a huge sand area. So, being that I know he was missing it, I got creative and built him one for our house! I was so proud of myself that I was able to bypass all the flowers, trees and shrubs at Home Depot. (Have I mentioned how I am rather fond of Home Depot?)

Nishad loves his sandbox- I think even more so because Ashish and I made it for him! Hours of play already...the perfect size for our two little builders.

Stress Free Friday

The perfect way to end the week and start the weekend...a picnic style play date! My friend came over with her little guy- dressed adorably in his red wings jersey (he was very quick to tell me all about the playoffs for Stanley Cup). The boys played so well together. So well, she and I had a nice time catching up. After we played at the house, we hung out at the park and then came back and had ice cream. When they left, the boys actually walked themselves up to their beds to nap. Ha! Every play date should be as fun and stress free!

Tigers, Zebras and Photogs!

I packed up the kids and headed to pick up our friend after she got off work today at 1PM. Our mission was to explore with our cameras with the boys in tow at Como. I wasn't too sure how they would do, being that normally, they are napping by then. Nishad was a little confused when we pulled up to his school. ha,ha. I think he thought vacation was over!

The boys were such troopers! And, occasionally, they even were our little models. (Of course!) My favorite shoots came from the most colorful flamingos- YES! Flamingo's in Minnesota...

FMSC

When you think about what our body really needs to sustain life, it's hard not to feel like we live in a gluttonous society. In a day and age of abundant grocery stores, gourmet recipes and "Food Network" we often forget about all those that do without. I simply think about the amount of food we toss in our household alone, on a daily basis and cringe. Food is so readily available- our children have forgotten what tables are for. Now it's common to "eat on the go." Sure, have a snack in the car. Eat standing up. When food is available, or offered, do we eat it because we are hungry? Or do we eat it because it's there? One of my pet peeves is eating in front of a tv. You're not consciously aware of what you are consuming. I was guilty of this growing-up, however, I'm glad to break that cycle with my kiddos.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with my friend, MB, and her friends and family last night at Feed My Starving Children. Ashish went before, so I was excited to go this time. Such pressure to seal bags- all for a great cause though! It's only for adults, so the kiddos stayed home with Daddy.

MB also shared the most exciting news with me complete with a picture!! Baby Kalegeta (which means "the Lord's word") will be coming from from Africa in August!! He's just gorgeous! Already 1 month old and destine to be in MB's arms. I can't wait to meet him. For now I must get on the ball with helping MB prepare in any way that I can. Adoption is one of the most unselfish things you can do. What an amazing couple.

Best Buddies

Now that school is out, it's time to mark the occasion with some summer fun at Elm Creek with the three J's! We meet at the playground. The boys loved the big slide and being able to have such a large perimeter to explore. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, it will warm up so we can take a dip in the water at the beach too!

Mama J and I need a play date of our own as we spend the majority of the time chasing our boys-- we take turns following the younger two or the older two (as they are always going in opposite directions it seems!). After we had a picnic and took a nature walk. We can't wait until next week!! We look forward to our weekly dose of J's!

Summer Vacation!

Animals, rides, flowers and a picnic lunch...what better way to kick off summer vacation?! I am ecstatic to have my baby, Nishad, back in the mornings with me!

Nishad and Tiger loved seeing the lions and bunders so close- and outside! We even ran into Nishad's best friend, Joseph! Joseph and Nishad were just destine to be pals.

After a perfect day at Como, we took a long bike ride when Daddy got home. Nishad lasted the first 2 miles before joining Tiger in the trailer. Ashish rode home while carrying Nishad's bike. YAY FOR DADDY!! :)

Giraffouette

Every so often, when the opportunity and mood is right, I enjoy shooting a silhouette. This is of one of our friends at Como Zoo.