A lot of people don’t really like to get their picture taken. Some think they don’t look good, some think they can’t smile right, and some just find it boring. I understand. And because I understand, I try really hard to make getting your pictures taken, at the very least, entertaining. I’ll try to get you to laugh at my corny jokes. I’ll try to help you relax, so you’ll look your best. Before you know it, the session will be done and it won’t even hurt!
So, give me a chance to show you that getting your picture taken can actually be fun!
One of Donna's friends hosted the event in her gorgeous backyard. It was amazing!
And, as a way to say thank you to her generous friend, Donna got her this adorable grasshopper. Isn't he cute?! He spent the whole evening with us and never said a word!
Yup! That's what it was. Diane, Lyle, and I went to downtown St. Helens this evening to enjoy the music and food. Even though it looked like it might rain, the temperature was mild and the waterfront area was crowded.
We cut through this little alley to get from the parking lot to the festivities.
It was a great place to take the family and let the kids work off some summer vacation energy.
St. Helens is the county seat for Columbia county. This is the original courthouse.
Some young friends having a fun time together. Thanks guys, for letting me take your picture. You guys rock!
Here are a few of my favorites...
Several of my favorites:
Peace and Love
Rainbow Sherbet
Rhapsody in Blue
And, even a "little" something for people who have seen enough roses:
Giant Hosta
June 16, 2009 - 9:52 am - Thanks for the pictures. You can never have too many roses in your life!!
June 16, 2009 - 10:00 pm - I love these pics!!!! They are so beautiful!!!! You did such a good job! Love you Wendy, Sarah
June 12, 2009 - 8:15 pm - Have a great time.
Erin and her little friend go for a ride!
June 3, 2009 - 9:32 am - Cute pics Winder! Em will love them. Can't wait to see how the others turned out. You're awesome!
June 3, 2009 - 2:26 pm - What a very handsome boy! Where did you ever find such a cute kid? I must have this picture. I can't wait to see the rest..
June 6, 2009 - 1:58 pm - Love these family shots!!!
We used to stay at a lovely Victorian inn across the street from the Mormon temple square, but they have torn it down to make room for lovely condos in it's place.
It's a mess right now, but in a few years, it will be a showplace!
This is one side of Temple Square. We walk this way most mornings for breakfast at the Nauvoo Cafe. The cafe is named after the Mormon city in Illinois that the early Mormon pioneers created from swampland. It was from that city, that they were driven out by mobs and forced to travel across the country, eventually ending up in the Great Salt Lake valley.
The cafe is located in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It used to be called the Hotel Utah, until it was renovated to house offices and several restaurants. The lobby of the building is beautiful and ornate.
A larger-than-life statue of Joseph Smith graces the lobby, as well as a small bronze statue of Joseph and his brother, Hyrum. Hyrum was a great supporter of Joseph and was with him in Carthage Jail where they were both killed by an angry mob.
gMy favorite statue depicting mother and son. It's been a long time since my sons were that size!
And here is the Salt Lake Mormon Temple in all it's morning sunshine glory.
The Assemby Hall reflected in the Deseret Book Company office windows.
The Plaza Hotel isn't as fancy as our little Victorian inn, but it is convenient and comfy.
More to come later...
May 30, 2009 - 4:49 am - Great photos Wendy! That's so neat that you and your mom make that time together. Looks like you had fun. :)
When I was in my early twenties, I lived in another country for a year and a half. When I first stepped off the plane, I realized quickly that I wasn't in the U.S. anymore. It wasn't just the different buildings and mountains covered in jungle. It wasn't the smell of street refuse and body odor. The thing that really took me aback and made me realize I wasn't home, was the sight of soldiers holding AK-47's at the bottom of the airplane steps .
As I traveled around the country, we were stopped at different checkpoints along the way, where other soldiers with other AK-47's commanded us to unload from the bus and show our "papers". Some people were taken away for not having the "proper" documentation. I don't know where they went.
In one small town where I stayed, some neighbors informed my friend and I that some government officials had stopped by looking for us. Since my visa was due to expire, I figured they were just making sure I would renew it. Our neighbors seemed awful fearful though.
Toward the end of my time there, the U.S. Embassy in the capital was bombed by rebellious university students. Military police were dispatched to all major cities. I got out of the capital that morning, but was stopped along the way several times for document checks. Everyone was on edge. No one joked or smiled. I ended up in a larger city in the north. Military police in full riot gear were stationed around the city. Stores were closed. The streets were practically empty. I headed out to the suburbs to wait it out.
On my way home, our flight took us to the port of Miami. After clearing Customs, I made my way along a corridor that led to the rest of the airport. All of a sudden, there in front of me was the beautiful American Flag. My relief was physical. I wanted to cry with joy. I wanted to kiss the ground. I did neither, but just stood there for a moment to reflect on the blessing I had of living in this country and enjoying the freedom to move around at will, to worship as I pleased. I thought about how grateful I was for the men and women who had gone before me to secure that freedom. To my relatives who fought in many wars. To those who now risk their lives everyday to keep us free and safe.
I was just thinking about that today...
June 5, 2009 - 9:53 am - That was nice to read. Thanks for the reminder of what a great country we have to live in.
Thanks guys, for letting me take your picture. It was great seeing you today!
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