Photos – Page 74 – M. Sullivan Photography

August 10, 2013 M. Sullivan Photography Flowers, Garden, Photos

The Backyard

My brother cut down three pine trees and a birch from our backyard today. We now have plenty of fireplace wood. The trees had all died and needed to be removed, but it was sad to see them go. Despite the loss, there is still a lot growing and blooming in our backyard. Oh yeah, there’s also plenty of wildlife including the chipmunk below (trying to get to the bird feeder hanging from the shepherd’s hook) and the deer that ate all but one of my lily blossoms. I don’t have proof – no photographic evidence, but I know it was them.

Notice the nibbled stem on the right of the photo. I hope the deer enjoyed it!

We have been picking peas, beans, lettuce and tomatoes from the garden. We also have peppers that are ripe. So far the deer haven’t jumped the fence. I think they have filled up on my hosta plants instead, with a side of lily blossoms for dessert.

August 9, 2013 M. Sullivan Photography Birds, Family, Photos, Vacation, Weather

Summer Vacation

We took a week off during July and packed our bags, loaded up the SUV, hitched up the boat, grabbed the kids and the dog and departed for a week at a cabin in northern Wisconsin. We all were ready for some time away from our hectic daily schedule and were craving some rest and relaxation. We arrived very late on a Saturday evening (thanks to a championship Little League baseball game that delayed our departure). We unpacked our bags and dropped into bed. The next day we slept in, checked out the lake, headed into town for groceries and enjoyed the evening making s’mores. Let the relaxation begin!

The week in photos…

We enjoyed swimming, boating, tubing, playing games and the nature that surrounded us.

Mike and the kids also tried their hand at go-karts. It was a huge hit!

As Sebastian got closer to Mike & Sophia…

…Sophia put her foot on top of Mike’s and pushed the gas pedal to the floor!

The final s’more of vacation.

Final card game of vacation.

Final family photo of vacation.

We are already looking forward to next summer. 🙂

August 6, 2013 M. Sullivan Photography Animals, Family, Flowers, Garden, Photos

The Simple Life

Growing up in rural Minnesota, life was simple. Too simple I thought at the time. Summers were spent working on the farm, making hay, helping with the garden. As a kid, I didn’t appreciate the simple life. Going back and visiting my Mom this past weekend made me realize that growing up out in the country was actually pretty cool. We learned how things grow, we saw calves being born, chickens hatching and tadpoles turn into frogs. We harvested peas, beans, carrots and more than a dozen other vegetables from the garden. We picked apples and plums in the fall from our trees. We cut wood for the stove to keep the house warm in the winter. These are the kinds of thing I want my kids to see, understand and appreciate. I know a quick weekend with Grandma won’t do all of this, but it’s a start.