Favorite times of the day

There is something about the crisp sunlight that washes over the earth. The fresh blossoms of summer.   The humidity. The energy of life. I love the sunlight and when it beams across my face, it is one of my favorite times of the day.

I also love when my house is quiet at night. Yes, there are dishes to be washed. Yes, the energy of the day is gone. But when the lights are dim and the candles flicker (and I pour myself a glass of wine...)...  all is peaceful in the world. Or at least, my world.

There is something about these simple moments. They remind us to be thankful and look at the beauty around us. Do you have moments like this throughout your day?

Lake Girl

Nina is already a lake girl! Love it! Happy summer to all!

She loves my big floppy black hat!
Surprisingly, she has fantastic sea legs!

Lately...

We've had a few busy weeks with TONS of fun things going on, but somehow I either forget to take pictures or the pictures are on other people's phones/camera. :) Surprise, surprise.

Nonetheless, here are few quick snapshots of life lately. Some events that are missing include Rally for the Cure (a breast cancer fundraiser I helped with... I spoke a few years back here), an amazing dinner event at Bacchus with Lakefront Brewery pairings, our annual family golf outing (this year my team WON, see last year's post here), Fathers Day (I made this for breakfast), yesterday's anniversary party/family reunion and more!

Like father like daughter... (forgive our un-decorated basement)
Grasshopper Fudge Cake - easy and delish. Recipe here.
How can you resist this sweet little face??
Gwyneth Paltrow's fish tacos ... they're the best! 
After a family wedding (congrats Matt & Kate!)...
Pretty sunset in our backyard :)

Today...


Two things today...

1. I saw this poem here and had to share.

“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.” ― poem by Mary Jean Irion

2. We recently attended a funeral for a few days out of state for Mr. Evans's grandfather. A WWII veteran, father of 15 children, a fifth generation printer and a hardworking, committed and faithful man. His wife of 63 years had this posted in the inside of their kitchen cupboard for who knows how long (my sister in law Beth found it). What a gentle and profound reminder. He died suddenly and unexpectedly, but in the most peaceful way.





Father's Day

Yesterday I celebrated with some of the best men I know. They're great fathers. Exemplary men. And, they embody the words on the poster below.

I've been blessed with a fantastic dad, father-in-law and "dad-eeee" to Nina. I also remember those fathers who are no longer with us and those men who yearn for a son or daughter of their own.

Happy Father's Day!

At the park

Sometimes a little time at the park and a scoop of ice cream set the world right again. This was no exception... 

Happy weekend! 


Again... I didn't manage to get in any photos but I promise I was there! :) 

Lately...

Just a few random photos... :) Happy Wednesday!

Finally... dinners outside!
Circus baby still lives on!
My mom recently was in San Francisco and got Nina this cute little number. She loved it, but wouldn't sit still for a photo!
Humidity = full on curls!!!!
I guess I snap a lot of photos of Mr. Evans and Nina on my iPhone... Go figure!
Clockwise: Nina helping Mr. Evans with projects (notice the blue painters tape, my shoes and her purse), enjoying ice cream at Seafood Fest, fun with her new fav plate, and Mr. Evans and Nina running a 5k together (not their first)!


Elkhart Lake Triathlon

It's that time of year again. Triathlon season! After Ironman last year, Mr. Evans decided that this year would include mainly shorter distances. Thank goodness! :)

A few days ago he did the sprint distance at the Elkhart Lake Triathlon. I couldn't believe how fast it went. As a spectator I barely had time to enjoy my coffee, the local farmers market and people watching. :) In fact, my mother-in-law and I were so busy chit-chatting that Mr. Evans passed on the bike and we didn't even have our cameras ready! It's a hard job being a spectator, but someone has to do it!

Swim - Run (whoops, no photo of biking!)
Nina anxiously waiting to cheer on Daddy at the finish!
Enthralled with the post-race snacks. She did great though especially with waking up so early!!
Total Daddy's girl... :)

Charles Dwyer Art

It's been a dream of mine to have a piece of Charles Dwyer art. I've long been an admirer of his work and am lucky enough to know friends who own beautiful originals. Thanks to my parents, I am now an owner - a generous Master's degree graduation gift.

I've been holding on to it until we moved and just got it back from the framer. Yippee! I went with a scrolly black frame, linen insert, dotted fillet and top mounted it on satin mat board in a warm gray color.


It's called "Evening Mediation"... I love it! For a better view of the image, click here.

I'm not in love with my topiary and plants on the mantle. Any suggestions? Lamps are not an option because there are no outlets. Candle sticks?! I've looked on Pinterest and can't seem to find the right idea... yet!

The Many Faces of Nina

These are the many faces of Nina. We snapped these a week or so ago and while they're silly (and not so flattering... of me in particular), they capture her age and stage perfectly. Silly, cute, eager to learn and wanting to copy anything and everything I do. I soak in her sweet little personality. I hope her innocence and lively spirit lasts forever!!

Practice puckering for moments when I sneak her a little lipstick!
Practice saying "Ahhh" for teeth brushing and the doctor.
She hasn't yet figured out how to look like a blowfish and provides a toothy grin instead!
We the name and location of all of our body parts... including this one!
Pretty smile for the camera.

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