Photography by Taylor

 

She has the knack for thinking "outside the box".  These are some of the amazing pictures she took in the last few months.  They all come from places we have visited or our home and they all have a special meaning to them.  It seems when I'm behind the camera, I can only get the big picture, but she can get down to the fine details.  That is a talent I admire.

Summer Shots...

In the Pocono Mountains at a beautiful resort that reminded me of a plantation in Louisiana.

Two beauties right smack in the middle of The Big Apple.

Youth Conference 2011!

It finally came!  It is official and awaiting a frame and a place on the wall!

Well, summer has come to an end.  I went back to work this morning.  I'm sad, but it has been wonderful!  I made my first trip to New York City with Taylor, I went to North Carolina with my girls for Seth's baptism.  We visitied Chicago and mom and dad on their mission.  I got to see Winter Quarters and enjoyed a thorough tour by the most wonderful missionary couple.  I went to Nauvoo and spent time with my dearest friend, Debbie.  My niece survived a shark attack and became famous!  A miracle took place and she is going to recover in time.  I graduated.  Our garden did great!  I have so many pickles and strawberry jam, and the tomotoes are just about ready.  We hosted the Busch family reunion weekend.  Wow!!!!  Maybe I can jam one more thing in before the kids head back next Tuesday, we will see!

Hugs and Kisses to you all!

Our Brave Girl...

A few years ago, a scorpion, now...something much bigger!  You are definitely Craig's daughter! Seems like you will be keeping your parents (and the rest of us) on the edge of their seats, just as your dad did.  

We are proud of you little princess, keep being brave during this trial, we love you and are behind you 100% of the way!!!! 

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your parents, be strong!  We love you to the moon and back!!!

Hugs and Kisses!!!!

Summer Highlights...

First of all...

 

Little Miracle, Maya Kate is the newest Mangum.  She made her debut on her daddy's birthday.  We can't wait to meet this sweet little girl. 

 

Secondly, we had the privilege of traveling to North Carolina to attend Seth's baptism and visit with loved ones.

These flowers are from Jordan's garden.  The Mangum home is beautiful and so warm and welcoming.  Poor Taylor couldn't get anyone to sit with her at the big table.

 

We need Uncle Brent around to keep his nieces in line.

 

Four out of five of us were together.  The fifth was axiously awaiting the arrival of his daughter.

 

Then we traveled to Chicago.  The boys enjoyed a Cubs/White Sox game while the girls went to the American Girl Doll store and visited some very fun shops.

 

The American Girl Doll store was a dream come true for Carley!

  

Then off to Nebraska to visit Elder and Sister Mangum.  We conveniently planned our visit the same time as Aaron and Jeni, so we could see them too and love on Calyn and Logan.  Winter Quarters was amazing!

 

Nice!!!!

 

Then on to Nauvoo to rendevous with the Robertson's!  This is the most beautiful temple I have ever laid eyes on!  You would think it is a postcard, but Carley is in there.

 

Somehow Gracee got cut-off.  You can see the Mississippi River in the background.  We saw the Nauvoo pageant and the amazing sites.  Taylor did a baptism session, while Tim and I did a session in the temple.  Thanks Blake and Debbie for entertaining Dallin and Carley!  

More to come when we upload pictures from Taylor's camera.

And the Summer is off to an Exciting Start...

 Taylor and I took a trip to The Big Apple with Kim, Kelly, and Gayle.  This is Time Square.

 

Everyone has to experience the germy subway!

 

We thought this jewelry store was pretty unique, considering we were the Martin's/Busch's

 

 

Taylor just returned from Girls Camp today.  She was a fourth year and this is her group returning from the 4th year overnighter.  She had a great time.

 

She will love that I have posted camp pictures!!!

 

Here it is mom!  Nestled among my antiques.  I love it!!!!  Thank you for this beautiful graduation present!

 

We are heading down south for a very important event tomorrow, but I must get on the road...so more pictures next week!  Love you guys!!!!!!

Another School Year Down...

 

This was our field trip to the Pioneer Village. 

 

They decided I needed some time in the slammer with Old Joe.

 

Our great Egg-Drop.  My two science classes were given the task to see who could design the best contraption out of the given supplies of:  a sandwich baggie, 6 cotton balls, paper lunch bag, 6 straws, a meter of tape, and a meter of yarn.  They were assigned to small groups of four and given 45 minutes to design a contraption that would keep an egg safe during a 12 foot drop.  

They collaborated mightily!

 

And designed and redesigned.

 

Who would save the egg?

 

Not Carley's team!

 

The team that was most unlikely to succeed!!!!!  I love it when that happens!!!!!

 

And what a contraption it was!!!!

 

Wow!  Not even a slight crack!

 

The crew!

It was a bitter-sweet day for most of us!

All of them have left me for the fifth grade...but this is definitely one crew that will stay in my heart forever!   

Good luck to my  little cuties!  May next year's class be as wonderful!