There is a pleasing satisfaction to eating what you have grown. While driving here and there around town I listened to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Memories of my parents amazing garden coupled with ideas from the book made me wish for plot of land to grow anything and everything in--as well as the strength, courage, and energy to do so. I realized my limitations though---so we started small. Last spring we planted tomatoes, cucumbers, basil and flowers. Remember this post? 2 of the 3 grew (I think we'll skip the cucumbers next year and try something else). 1 of the 3 were continually eaten by bugs? rats? we're still figuring out who the devil is.....but we came to the rescue to save most of the deliciousness of the 15 or so tomatoes harvested thus far. A few more are still growing. I check on them everyday. As you can see, they aren't perfect---but who needs perfect? We have basil coming out our ears. Live near by? Come and get some. The flowers, although past their prime now, have been a joy to me daily as I look out my kitchen window. They've brought visitors too: bees, humming birds, & creepy crawly bugs, but mostly, they've brought delight.
Last night we celebrated our harvest by eating home made salsa--using 9 of our tomatoes. We also enjoyed Black Bean Taco Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, again using our tomatoes. It was good. Actually, it was much better than good. It was pleasing, satisfying, & deliciousness all at the same time.
Last night we celebrated our harvest by eating home made salsa--using 9 of our tomatoes. We also enjoyed Black Bean Taco Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, again using our tomatoes. It was good. Actually, it was much better than good. It was pleasing, satisfying, & deliciousness all at the same time.
The birthday dinner: taco salad, watermelon, and corn bread.
The party guests.
July started out rough with an infection on Abigail's cheek. 
Right before we left for Utah, I was called to serve as the Primary President in our ward. (Primary is the children's organization in our
After a 3 hour delay in Denver, we finally made it to Utah. 
Unfortunately for her, Abigail wasn't allowed to have any of the goodness from the 
4 generations: My grandmother, My Mom (who happened to be in Utah for 1 of the days we were), Abigial and I.
Abigail with Uncle Spence (Rachael's brother and soon to be dental student...well, next year)
Abigail with Grandpa Ned (Tyler's Dad)
Abigail swinging with Grandma Beverly (Tyler's Mom) 
Alicia holding Bri (daughters of friends Ryan and Meg)
dear Vienna traveling friend Sarah with daughter Madeline
OES teaching friend, Amber
BYU roommates Kimber and Jen
Cousin Jack with son Jackson (just a few days apart in age from Abigail) and Abigail and Tyler
Abigail was beyond happy anytime we came near the river which ran in the back of the campgrounds and cabins
What would a campfire be with "The Princess Pat"
Abigail with Great-Grandma
Abigail with Aunt Heidi (Tyler's sister)
Just hanging out 