Summer Photo Drop.

On our camping trip we hiked up dunes and made it down to a gorgeous beach.

These are some more pictures from that trip.

Picture with our fun friends who we explored with.

Summer Photo Drop.

Let us have many adventures exploring in summers to come. 

I started this random series to share some of the many photos I took this summer but was too busy to ever post about. 

Celebrating the 4th in Pictures.

Summer = Family.

{via}

I always know when the end of summer is here.

A's family are here all summer long which is a real blessing.

We have enjoyed being able to see more of them this year as we live in the same neighborhood temporarily as the one they live in during the summers.

So we have enjoyed many nights of watching the Olympics, going out to dinner, playing games, blueberry picking, going on road trips and getting a year's worth of time together.

(is that even possible?)

We took the remaining family members to the airport on Monday as they flew home.

Others had dispersed around the globe early.

We are sad to see them go.

But thankful for yet another beautiful summer together.

What do you guys do every summer?

Much Love,

L


P.S. We have another wedding to go to today!!! Exciting eeeek!!!

Receipe: Mango Salsa

{Via}

Since its coming to the end of the summer, I didn't want you guys to miss out 

on this awesome receipe.

I'm a huge fan of salsa and mexican food in general....

but as mangos will only be in season for a little bit longer, this one is a must currently.

(Also Qdoba have the mango salad right now which is AMAZING....if you live in the states, 
you really should go try their salad....no really!)

So here is my adapted version of a mango salsa receipe.

Fresh Mango Salsa 

2 mangoes, diced
1 medium cucumber, diced (peeled if you want)
1 red bell pepper
1/4 cup green onion
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
a pinch or two of salt

Dice the mangos, cucumber, pepper, onion and place into tall Tupperware.

The add cilantro, lime juice, sugar and salt.

Put the lid on the container and shake well.

Serve with favorite salted chips.

(I added too much sugar without meaning too and actually....it turned out really well.

Especially since the mangos weren't quite as sweet as they could be)

They also have strawberries added to some of the receipes on Pinterest.
They look really yummy!


Much Love,
L

Making the most of the season.

Can you believe that Summer is nearly over? 

There are just a little over 2 weeks and it will be September. 

I mean, I am totally excited about everything the Fall will bring......

My little sis is getting married so we are headed to England for 10 days in September for 

amazing adventures, seeing old friends and witnessing a commitment to each other before the Lord.

The Influence conference is fast approaching as the days bring Fall closer.

And I am super stoked by that!

Not to mention the finding of a new home for the hubby and I as we transition out of our temporarily

location into a more permanent home closer to where he works.

So as the summer is beginning to fade, I am trying to make the most of every moment.

Enjoying every season.

I might try and make that my plan for this year.

And it helps to start with the season that is my favorite.

So in trying to make the most of this season.....

I went blueberry picking again this week.

With some other friends who I thought would enjoy picking the fresh fruit off the leaves of the bushes.

And picked another 31 lbs of blueberries. 

(I only came home with 7lbs this time myself)

(That's a combined total of 56lbs of blueberries in 2 weeks for those who love numbers)

Summer things I am thankful for:

Blueberries growing on bushes for us to go and pick.

Summer sandals and flip flops.

Sunscreen and bug spray.

Hubby's family visiting from overseas for the summer.

Encouraging friendships.

Meeting up with blogging friends.

Being able to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Flip flop tan lines.

The sound of crickets sending me to sleep at night.

Painted toes poking through sandals.

Amazing natural light for photography.

She reads Truth reading plans.

Pure by Rebecca st James.

Hot weather bringing the ability to wear sundresses and tank tops.

{Head over to Erin's blog for contagious thankfulness}

Tank: OldNavy

Pants: New Look (England)

Shoes: Payless

Necklace: TheHollieRogue

How are you enjoying the rest of summer?

Much Love,

L

25lbs of WOW.

Berry picking in this country brings me so much joy. Well I should add fruit picking since

I also love the apple picking in the Fall.

It's the first time I have lived in a country where you could actually pick so many

different types. Can you pick potatoes in England? (Not that I ever did! lol)

So this past week I went with my mother-in-law and younger sister-in-laws to the berry farm

where we headed back to the patch labelled wow. 

And WOW.

Yes....berries everywhere you look. Just falling into your hands in bunches.

We had so much fun standing around for a few hours picking those berries.

And now of course they are in the house in abundance.

So I want to hear your favorite blueberry recipes.

(I have frozen a ton of the lbs of berries so they don't go bad)

But since we have them in abundance, I would love to try some of your favorite recipes.

So please share away in the comments.

How are you guys enjoying your summer?

Much Love,

L

Family Vacation at the Lake.

A and I just returned from a really fun family vacation at the lake.

I am pretty sure your extended family is not as big as A's is.

But they are crazy fun.

A week of sleeping in a cabin, playing tons of volleyball (no joke it feels like vball camp), sailing, tubing, attempts at water skiing and just hanging out with people we don't see very often.

So I thought I would share with you guys a few pictures of what we have been up to this past week.

Kind of explains why I haven't replied to any emails, comments or tweets lately.

But I'm trying to get to them all don't worry.

It has been such a fun week of relaxing, having fun, spending time with family and treasuring new friendships. 

I caught up on reading some books which have been on my reading list for a while.

I also felt the Lord speaking to me throughout the week about a particular topic which I plan on sharing with you later in the week, but as usual I'm nervous as its going to be a continued area of learning I'm sure.

I also have to brag a little about the awesome guy that won a family sailing race, yes that would be my wonderful hubby. 

He is an awesome hottie I tell ya.

Oh and a hilarious story for you.

I hesitantly decided to try water skiing for the first time.

Yes. Gulp.

Me in the middle of the lake.

So a few of us head out early in the morning while the lake is smooth, my SIL takes her turn and a cousin has hers. 

Then its my turn. I pray for safety.

I actually got into the middle of the lake. (wearing a lifevest don't worry) 

Then I'm situated with the skis on. And the boat won't start.

No really.....nothing.

I'm drifting out from the boat and trying hard not to freak out. LOL.

Then we decide it's better to pull me back in and start paddling back to the shore.

Then next hr and a half consists of us pushing a boat. (Full of 28 gallons of gas I might add)

But praise the Lord, there was no wind, and we were directly next to the camp (just maybe a mile or so out). And several people saw us and brought kayaks out to help.

So anyway....I still haven't tried water skiing. 

But hey, it was an adventure right?

Anyway I need to head out and make spaghetti for dinner before A gets home from work.

Enjoy the pictures.

What have you been thankful for this week?

Much Love,

L