Picture It~ {July Photo Contest}

Sometimes it's not about getting the perfect shot under the perfect settings,

it's about embracing the moment & capturing it the best you can.

It's those moments  you will remember.

The sun was harsh this hot July day, overexposed, but truly I don't care!

This moment.

This sweet, precious, innocent moment, is one I will always cherish.

Jaxy's daddy showing him how to salute our "Mr Chuck" 

Mr chuck: Beloved neighbor, Vietnam Vet, Purple Heart recipient, Father, Grandfather, friend.

Salute .

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I entered the Epiphanie Picture it July Photo Contest.

You should too!

Our 4th of July~ {neighborhood style}

This was our 4th of July.

A lovely night spent with neighbors.

Good people. Hot dogs. Side dishes. Sangria. Beer. Lawn Chairs. Sparklers... 

adorable happy children running around.

(maybe some illegal super fun fireworks?) wink wink)

It was another great 4th spent w/ my sweethearts. My boys.

Here's just a few snaps.

Even though it was really difficult, I tried to just take a few shots... & then put my camera away.

It kinda sucked, but I've really been working on being more in the moment.

Which has been wonderful.

Plus, it's usually a team effort to chase around our extremely crazy happy toddler.

AKA Happy Jax.

Mad that mommy won't let let him eat chips off the ground.

I'm such a big meanie!

It's sure a good time throughing poppers at mommy, 

while she's trying to snap pictures.

(Thanks daddio)

Nothing beats that look of pure awe & wonder on your child's face.

Oh. How I love those sweet cheeks!

Haahaha, I can just hear him thinking ... "Mommy is really letting me play w/ fire?!!!!"

"COOL."

Wow. we sure are lucky to call this home.
God Bless!
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our weekend in photos~ 4th of July

Not many better things than chilln' poolside,

 with these cute boys!

wuzzz Upppp?!!

How flippn adorable is this tiny popcicle?!

They are called mini slow melts, &

they are AWESOME.

He's gonna be a heartbreaker.

Ahhhh...LOVE my blue-eyed boy!

 

You were in awe, that we let you have sparklers.

Mommy was in awe too! Lol.

Watching the wonder on your sweet face, was a treat in itself.

You watched the fireworks, & mommy watched you!

One tired little man.

Nothing like  the excitement of fireworks & a sunshiny pool,

 to tucker this happy Jax out!

Seriously, that pool is the best "nap time helper" since the bouncy swing!

Hope everyone had a beautiful 4th! Love to you all!

xoxo, Melanie

linking up with Shutterlove Tuesday , Favorite Photo of the Week Contest,

 You Capture, & Crazy Days of Summer !

flashback friday~ 4th of July

~4th of July 2010~

    Here's a few of our last years 4th pics. Our little neighborhood always has a lovely little 4th of July BBQ. We all meet up in the middle of our culdesac. Everyone brings a dish, drinks, & we grill up all sorts of yummy meats. When the night sky finally arrives we align our fold up chairs in a humongo circle, & have quite the fireworks display! All which are completely legal, Of course!(( Lol) Oh Canada, we LOVE ya! ) It's quite nice that everyone knows everyone, & we all actually like each other. Though this year won't be the same w/out our beloved Mr. Chuckles, aka Mr Chuck, our favorite neighbor. Everyone favorite neighbor. He is battling Leukemia, & is in the hospital. The nicest most stubborn guy. He will kick that stupid cancer's ACE! We love you Chuckles. Wishing you and yours a festive & happy 4th of July! 

So proud to live in this beautiful country, God bless.

linked up with Jen's Flashback Friday ! Join the fun!!