Orange, definitely my favorite...

Here's a few photos that made my day. The Rose Garden at TBG is beautiful. I've met a few photographers that come in every Tuesday and some Thursdays to take photos. Both of them have a spray bottle with water. I took advantage of the "dewy" roses. Some of these are going up on my wall soon.

Really Jennifer I still take photos!

Miss Jennifer was dishing out a little sass that I haven't been taking a lot of photos lately. I find that I post the fun things that Kate, Syd, and Paige do. While anything we do as a family requires me to reign in the littlest Rappling to keep her out of trouble. That requires John to be on photographer duty. Yes Kate, I said duty. Foxglove... I love the spots.
I wonder what color mine will be next year?

These are pinkish so Charlene do you need a copy?

These are glass fish in the pond at TBG. In march the girls and I discovered two dead Koi from the pond freezing all the way down to where they hide in the bottom. Well Paige talked about it for days and days. So when we spotted these Paige had found some more "dead fish." We were all relieved when we discovered that they are glass. Pretty sweet actually.

Monet? Don't blame him I love the water lillies too. Amazing irises.

Practicing with my camera on moving objects...like a few water droplets.

Right before she tripped on a tree stump and we had to leave due to technical difficulties.

I love this garden, the gazebo, and the pond.

See I really do still take pictures.

Photographed Thursday the 11th of June

Pretty in pink...

Miss Candace gave these tulips to Sydney and Kate during their last show.

Finally I'm postin me some pictures to share.

Check out the little grains of pollen.

These petals mesmerized me...I've always wanted to be able to paint like that.

I love how the petals curve gracefully around the center.
Funny note: Candace brought two bouquets for the two little actresses. When Paige saw them she said, "Where's mine?" Candace handled the whole question like a pro. When Paige wasn't looking, she carefully broke off one of the little buds and gave it to Miss Paige. Viola!!! Major disaster diverted. Miss Candace you ROCK! She talked about her tulip for a week. It was proudly displayed with her sisters flowers because, in Paige's words, "I got some too!!!"

Blue Grass Island

Do you love to go exploring? There aren't enough places where you can wander. I'm all about staying on the marked trails but every once in a while it's fun to explore. We went exploring in Maumee this weekend. John and I have always enjoyed Side Cut Park. We frequently went on dates there to wander around on the trails. I can tell you seventeen years ago I would have never imagined us taking the same walks with three little ladies along for the ride. I'll let you in on a secret. The river runs low in the summer and you can walk across on the dry riverbed to Blue Grass Island. During Walleye season fishermen frequent the island and leave a great trail around the island and one going through the center(that's where the tall grasses are.)

We tossed rocks. John has the best photos of rocks hanging in mid air.
Picking safe paths across the rocks is always fun! Paige would have nothing to do with it, so she's on my hip. I sure wish I still had by baby sling.


Trails were either viny and leafy or tall grasses.

While wandering on trails we sometimes John finds the best spots for pictures. There was absolutely no way that I was getting up on that branch. Syd wasn't sure that it would be safe.

I love this photo from the tip of the island. The girls were so excited to see the end and start down the other side.Love this, nature's stepping stones.

Did I mention that the river is low. This is the south side of Grass Island towards Perrysburg. I have to tell you that this is when Sydney's legs became "too tired". Now you all know that not five minutes later she started asking when she would finally get to play on the playground. Girls, go figure.

Our girls sent sticks floating down the river, found shells, touched rapids and got to pretend to be explorers.

This sign was at least 150 feet in from the edge of the island. We loved that there was nothing on it, perfect time to fill in the blank.

Just b.e.a.utiful.

Kate's sun rock or turtle rock, we couldn't decide. Some former explorer has a great sense of humor.

Had to come home and identify some plants, these are Red Osier Dogwood berries.
Watching the "little fishies". Yep the girls were all excited about the view. They also wanted to take some home to put in the fish tank! See what happens when I suggest a natural aquarium. I would like to announce the end of The Rapp Families Three Hour Tour. After three hours of walking we had three tired but intrepid explorers. Although we did end up at the playground and someone's legs weren't to tired anymore.

Got them!

Every year the trees in front of the girls school change early. They are beautiful. I never have my camera on a beautiful blue sky day. Usually, I think "Oh I should have brought the camera. I need to get a shot of those." But the next day it will storm. Fall rain and wind tend to remove the leaves and make the trees so sorry looking. But this year I did it. Here are a few of my favorites from my first try at capturing these trees.