"So I was once myself a swinger of birches. And so I dream of going back to be." (Robert Frost)

Do you ever wish that you could go back to the innocence of a time when you were young and untroubled, not a care in your world?  I'm pretty sure that everyone's answer to that will be a resounding, yes! Lately, the thought of that elusive time has been in the forefront of my mind.  I don't think I really appreciated how lucky I was to have a childhood where my greatest worry was what friend to play with or whether to swim in my pool or my best friends.  As an adult there seems to be some sort of stress around every corner or at least a good number of corners.  It takes days like the one I spent with my best friend and her family to help me take a step back; to allow me to breathe & reboot.  A little fun in the sun (or I should say pool) is often the best medicine.  

A little nourishment to fuel some much needed energy!

While eating we found a little friend (whose home was soon destroyed by an oblivious 23 month old little darling who walked right through it)

Of course I can't pass up the requisite "cheese" face that comes so naturally at this age.

Loving the pint sized pink Crocs...

Bathing suit's, check; Swimmies, check - OK we are ready to take the plunge...

BUT first we must test the water....

And he's in!

Someone else needed a little more convincing! 

This lovely lady needed no persuasion!

I just love that smile!

Is this lovey finally ready to get in?

All it takes is a little help from her mommy!

Mommy is just the coolest!

This angel slept through the entire adventure and let her brother and sisters have the spotlight for a few hours...

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.  ~J.M. Barrie, Courage, 1922

"All Seasons are Beautiful for the Person who carries Happiness Within"

I took a trip out to Syracuse a few weeks back to visit one of my good friends and to pay a quick visit to her family.  After a quick open water swim (I'm training for my first triathlon) we headed out to her parent's house in Oriskany Falls.  I have visited her parent's house many times over the years since college and every time I am awestruck at the beauty that surrounds their house.  

This is the view from their backyard.  It's just spectacular!

While we were there we had a little impromptu photo session...

As always I couldn't help but snap this beautiful little cutie!

Last weekend here in Rochester, I was lucky enough to snap a few shots of the Blue Angels during the Rochester International Air Show.

This is by far the coolest shot I got - and I actually almost missed it!

"Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life."

In my 31 years of life, I have crossed paths with a great number of people.  Of course some have merely passed through my life in a quick minute, some have been with me through specific special time periods in my life, and others have had a deep impact in my life in one way or another.  But I am so lucky to have a small group of friends that have been with me since I was just a little girl.  I have grown up with these women and they have shaped who I am as a person and I am forever blessed to have them in my life.

Since "the good ole" days we have added a few into our circle of friends - husbands, babies, even a few new close friend's - but we have remained as close as always.  Over the Fourth of July Holiday weekend we all got together at a friends cottage on Conesus Lake for the annual Ring of Fire.  

The lovely Conesus Lake - It was quite popular that day

There were plenty of snacks to be had by all!

A favorite activity of the day was heading down and sitting on the dock.  It's exciting stuff - really it is!

Sitting on the dock was especially fun for this little sweetheart & his daddy

Someone needed a quick nap before joining in all the fun

And when she woke up - she didn't miss a beat.  She didn't just join in the fun - she created it!

Lollipops are serious business.

Got to love the two newest additions to our group. Future power couple? I think so!

Warming up after a quick dip in the lake - this is what summers are all about!

After a day filled with fun, food and friends - the sun set and it was time to sit back and relax

What a beautiful sunset!

What a perfect opportunity for some family shots of one of my favorite families!

A sweet moment between Mommy and her newest beautiful girl

It's fireworks time!  Someone was excited, and someone else was a little more apprehensive.  I'll let you guess which was which!

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." (John Leonard)