Oh Give Me A Home...

We have just arrived home from a few days with our dear friends Ann & Glen Piper at Camp Comfort in Buffalo, Wyoming. Ann's family is responsible for this amazing compound that generation after generation has come to stay and unplug from the stress of the world. No TV's, one working rotary dial phone and no cell service. (Although my husband somehow managed to get a few bars, much to everyone's dismay and chiding.) It truly is heaven on earth and we feel so lucky to have been invited to stay and enjoy this magnificent place. The Piper's have a 3 year old named Kate that Ashley adores. They played beautifully together and had so much fun running and singing and laughing together. Their son, Baby James, just tried to keep up and gave everyone big smiles! I hope you enjoy some pictures from our trip.

The Larocca's at the entrance to Camp Comfort



A gift from the Piper's - Ashley's 1st fishing pole!


Ashley and Kate taking a walk to find Verne the Horse.


Coloring...


Snacking...


Ashley enjoying some time with Mommy and Daddy








Mowing the back 40


Showing her teeth


Our gorgeous girl



The tradition at Camp Comfort when anyone leaves, is for the remaining people to gather at Cabin 1 and wave white flags. As you are driving away and get up to the ridge, you look down on Camp Comfort and are treated to a fond farewell. It is actually quite emotional. If you look closely at the red cabin, you can see the white flags that Ann and the rest of her family are waving.


Thanks again to the Piper's and to the Leahy extended family for a great trip!

At Long Last

I know ... its been scarce around here. I am sorry - its just that I never seem to have time to take care of the little details that I used to pride myself on ... I guess that's part of being a working mom. You just have to let that stuff go. (It KILLS me though!) Anyway, here are some of the things we've been up to this summer.

Riding bikes on the Newport Peninsula


Meeting Grammy & Grandpa at the San Clemente Farmer's Market


Going to the fair with Auntie Jen. The first stop was the petting zoo ...


Apparently the pig said something to Ashley that made her uncomfortable, hence the death grip with her left leg.


After indulging in all the fried delicacies that the fair had to offer, I thought it would be a good idea to take Ashley on a kiddie ride. It all started nicely...


Then everything started flying through the air at a million miles an hour and each car started spinning individually. Ashley looked at me with sheer terror and all I could do was hold her and close my eyes. (People, we're talking Disneyland Teacup spinning! Yuck!)


This look says it all...


The Flying Elephant ride went a little better. Although Ashley still held on for dear life.


After that, we decided to cap off the night with some ice cream and funnel cake. I think Auntie Jen definitely had the right idea!


The latest of our trips was up to see Aunt Jenny, Uncle Chris and Cousin Chloe. (Ah yes, the 1, 2, 3 Swing game! Never gets old.)


The girls treated us to a fabulous solo on the piano too.


Last but definitely not least, the good ole park. Enjoy...

Adventures In Babysitting

Auntie Jen came through in the clutch this week to stay with Ashley since I have been shooting and Chris is traveling. (THANK YOU!) Of course, Ashley played super model as she snapped these shots and sent them to me. Love it!



Grammy and Grandpa are stepping in tonight! Hope to get some cute pics from them too!