Spectacular Monsoon Cloud Formations

I pulled off the side of the highway to catch these before they disappeared with the sun last weekend.  I've missed the opportunity far too many times this summer.  We've had some incredible skylines since monsoon season began and I have not always had my camera with me.  Clearly I need to rethink how I travel so that I can capture more of these moments.

On The Road Again {mobile monday}

Good morning!  Today's {mobile monday} is straight from the dashboard of my car as I traveled to Thatcher, AZ to visit an old friend.  She gave me a wonderful tour of the farming town.  While I was there, I was able to photograph her gorgeous teenage daughter with her best friend at some unique locations around the valley. I can't wait to go back and visit again, its such a beautiful place.  I was even treated to a spectacular lightning show most of the way home.  You really can't beat the monsoon storms that roll through, they're simply mesmerizing and a sight to see!

xo- Jess

Pass It On. {favorite friday}

[New York City, May 2011]

We did it!  

We survived the first week back to school, and very much looking forward to the weekend.  

Have a great one folks!

xo - Jess 

Our Summer Activities, part 2

Here's a brief look at the second half of our fabulous summer break... it went by far too quickly, that's for sure! 
* Monsoon season was a bit of a bust again this year, only a couple of good storms brought any actual, measurable rain to the desert.
* The kids enjoyed some Circus, Circus! in Las Vegas as we met Grandma for a two-week trade off.
* Cousin Jacob came down for a two-week visit we went camping and swimming and played video games.
* Grandma Brunette taught us how to make homemade candy - lollipops.
* Copper and Daisy made a new friend while camping, Tank.
* Copper and Daisy also got a little down when the kids were both gone to Utah and when they were packing backpacks in preparation for going back to school.

The First Day of School

The younger two were bouncing off the walls the twenty-four or so hours leading up to this moment - the moment they walked out the door to catch the bus to their first day back at school.  It's Monkey Boy's first day of middle school and Freckle Face's first day as a high school student.

Freckle Face is most looking forward to NJROTC and art class, Buggy was excited for JNHS and Monkey Boy couldn't wait to see his friends he hadn't seen all summer.