Recently some of our favorite people came down from Canada to spend some time with us. We had a BLAST! The best kind of friendships are those that allow you to pick up right where you left off; with these guys, we didn't skip a beat! As always saying goodbye was hard, but they say a farewell is necessary before you can meet again! Thanks for coming Karys & Lorussos ~ we love you & are already looking forward to our next encounter!

There are so many attributes that could be shared about my wonderful wife! However, in these past few days I have seen how much she is cherished as a friend by those who are closest to us. Les loves her family deeply and she cares for her friends in ways that absolutely amaze me. Here is a quote I found that represents Les' outlook on those people that God has placed in her life:

"Only a life lived for others is worth living" ~ Albert Einstein

P.S. Thanks to all you crazy Kary's & Lorusso's for the good times!

This morning the munchkins and I hit two different farmers markets. Our primary goal was to pick some strawberries, but I also just wanted to explore. Apparently there are quite a few markets in our county alone.

We came home with some lovely produce, beautiful flowers, and yummy homemade tamales & apple empanadas. Our entire lunch was locally grown and super tasty! No doubt we will be going regularly!

My parents graciously kept the kiddos last weekend so I could accompany JD on a wedding shoot near Aspen. We had a blast making our way through the Rockies! After exploring Idaho Springs and Vail, we pulled into Glenwood Springs where we spent the first night. The drive was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

***Here are a some snapshots taken along the way***

Our little guy turned 2 earlier this month! Can it be? I recognize that this sounds cliche, but the boy seriously woke up that day acting older! JD & I just kept looking at each other in amazement as Ayden would bust out with a new comment or use his hands in creative ways to express an idea. While it's certainly always a joy to see them grow, there was definitely a part of me that started to feel a little panicky. I love these toddler years and don't want them to pass in a blur. It was a good reminder to relish these younger years while I can!

We had a lovely party with both sides or our family. AJ had no problems soaking up all the attention, and Addison did a great job of being the supportive big sister who was eager for her brother to have a special day. I loved how she was so excited for him! Click the link below for more pics.

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• had strawberry bread for breakfast ~ yum, my favorite!
• picnic-ed at the park then soaked up the sun for a few hours while running around the playground.
• swung by to check out the new library located fairly close to our house. It's was very impressive!
• had a relaxing rest time.
• enjoyed frozen lemonade at snacktime.
• ate a lovely yet simple shrimp dish for supper alongside some brown sugar glazed carrots.
• are planning on chillaxin' once we get the kidlets to bed. I suppose I better go get them bathed first!

YAY FOR SUMMER!

It's been a busy many weeks, but last night we decided to eat some good food and just chill. I picked 3 recipes from Homesick Texan's blog to try out. She recently featured Robb Walsh's grilled stuffed peppers, and they caught my eye. As I predicted, Jim was a big fan of them. I used a fair bit of Good Character Seasoning from Cagle Steaks to give them some kick which explains why Jim was lovin' it while I was breathing fire & gulping water! {Wimp!!}

I also tried her Tex-Mex squash casserole, and I must say it was super duper good! Honestly, I could have eaten the whole pan myself. Yummo!! This one will definitely go into my arsenal of favorite recipes.

Last but not least, we finished up night with a strawberry sheet cake. The cake itself had buttermilk in it, and the frosting was jazzed up with lime juice and zest...need I say more?

In the spirit of taking it easy, we didn't shoot any food photos. But while we were waiting on the stuffed peppers to finish up on the grill, AJ started a water fight with JD so I had to at least try to capture the fun with my phone. Oh the joys of summer combined with having a toddler boy around the house to liven things up!

Earlier this month we joined my parents and Ryan & Ashley at a cabin near Estes Park for a weekend getaway. It was a special weekend as it was Mom & Dad's 35th anniversary ~ yahoo!! We had a great time celebrating with them. In addition to eating some wonderful meals, we also managed to do some fishing, hiking, reading, and chillaxin. What a fun way to start off the summer!

Congrats to Mom & Dad as well as JD's parents, David & Connie, who also recently celebrated their 35th! Way to go guys!

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With Father's Day and JD's birthday falling within a few days of each other this year, we've had a great time celebrating JD this week. He's a fantastic father and wonderful husband. The kids and I are so extremely blessed to have him!!

Happy birthday Jimmy D! As Addie would say, we "love you to the moon and back" and thank God for you daily!

Taken during our getaway to a cabin near Estes Park earlier this month

JD & the kidlets on Father's Day morning; these two think the world of their dad!

O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

~ Psalm 90:14

We've never known anyone quite like Sarah! She is so easy going and wonderful to be around. She has a genuine servant's heart and is ALWAYS a huge help to EVERYONE! Instead of getting moody, she gets silly and funny. Instead of worrying about herself, she thinks of others. Did I mention Sarah has the magic touch with kiddos? Many times over the past few years, Addie has said, "I want to be like Sarah when I grow up!" Most importantly though, she's a godly young woman that loves the Lord with all her heart.

This month Sarah became the fourth one of the Kary cousins to graduate from high school. Now that we are back in the States, we were sad to have to miss out on her big day. She's one of my best friends and I miss her dearly!!

Here are a few Senior photos that JD shot for Sarah last summer. Doesn't she look beautiful?!

Congrats Sarah! JD & I are so proud of you!

Mom & I recently whipped up a few batches of homemade granola. It was my mom's idea. I must confess, I was surprised at how addictive it was. On my list of good eats for breakfast, granola would have been near the end...perhaps right before a bland piece of toast or a blah bowl of plain Cheerios. I tend to gravitate more towards breakfast breads and muffins. My toast is always paired with homemade jam, and bowls of oatmeal are generously sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon. Come to think of it, the only granola I've ever enjoyed before now would have been dipped in milk chocolate!

So despite my preconceived notions & major sweet tooth, I now declare that NOT ALL GRANOLA IS BORING! This particular mix has just enough sweetness thanks to the coconut and maple syrup. It makes a great snack too; my whole family is hooked!

TOSS & BAKE GRANOLA

Adapted from a recipe from Real Simple

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup salted sunflower kernels or mixture of nuts (I used a mixture of sunflower kernels, pine nuts & soy nuts. Pepitas would be good too.)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup dried fruit (such as cherries, cranberries, or raisins)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the oats, almonds, coconut, and sunflower seeds with the maple syrup, oil, and salt.
2. Bake, tossing once, until golden and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Add the dried fruit and toss to combine. Let cool.
4. Store in an airtight container. It should keep for several weeks or so.