Sunflower watch.

I never thought I could get so excited about watching the growth of a plant. 

In this case it is a long row of sunflowers planted along the entire span of our fence. (Thank you neighbor!) They grow at least a foot a day! Well, maybe not a whole foot, but a lot. I can't wait to see the yellow peek over our fence. They tower over Minna-girl now and could reach heights taller than Jeff! 

Stay tuned...

Good times.

I got to photograph The Good Family today. My first gig! I can't really call it work though. What a pleasure! I just hope I captured some moments they will want to frame. Thanks so much!

Have a great evening!

10 is a solid number.

10 years, 8 moves, 6 cars, 5 pets, 3 perfect children, 1 stint in the Navy, a few arguments:) and countless laughs, have brought us to today.

This shot from our garden wedding was taken by one of the many guest photographers. We were so young! Wouldn't change a thing and still can't believe my luck...

Made my week.

Reluctant Lil' Walker.

Minna can walk but REFUSES to employ her new skillz. I keep telling her she can't really wear her summer dresses until she is upright but she doesn't care. She'd much rather wear her brother's hand-me-down overalls anyway.

We Love "The Cabin"!

Out Here'n Two Rock


We are back from yet another weekend of bugs, begging to take a dip in the (not-so-hot) hot tub, and baby legs climbing the stairs again, and again under Grammie's watchful eye. 

We love Grammie and Grampie's cabin!

Bittersweet Birdhouse.

So Jeff and the boys made us a little birdhouse last year. 

All of us watched out the window as several sets of birds competed for it. Finally, one lucky couple won and started the work of nest building. For days one of them would be the look out and and the other would be off looking for materials. They created an intricate, tightly woven, cozy nest and we waited in hopes of seeing babies one day. Then our birdie friends up and left without notice. Now there was a beautiful nest, but no birds.. 

This year the same scenario occurred and another bird couple, very similar to last year, started their nest building. They worked and hung around for a long time. And one day, no sight of them. We took a peek in the birdhouse when we knew they had gone for good. This year there was a nest AND, four teeny blue eggs. So sweet, but sadly left behind. 

In time for next year, we want to find out why the birds are abandoning the house and hopefully to identify the type of bird. Jeff's theory is that it gets too hot for them inside. So, some mods must take place, extra air vents probably.

Maybe the third time will be the charm. Cross fingers for birds, a nest, eggs AND babies.

Have a good day!

Minna's Almost One

Invitations being lovingly cut,

many paper cupcakes crafted by little fingers.

And ranch-BBQ decor, is being dreamed up.

Minna's almost one and planning has begun.

:)

PS-

Minna is very involved with the planning and building of our fort too...

:)

The Fort-Under Construction.

"I really wish we had a swing or something around here." That's what I said last Friday. 

The very next day there was a tidy pile of salvaged wood and shiny tools set up in the back yard. In the corner was Jeff studying some plans for a sweet swing-set torn from a gardening magazine. 

Wish granted, and we call it, "The Fort".

One week later, we have the sturdy frame of our fort and have begun daily fort-planning meetings. The boys LOVE to brainstorm and Sully takes notes in his first-grade hand (love it). At our "color" meeting, it was decided that we would paint the fort using colors from around the property. Just think barn red, sky blue and cow print. 

We have spent some part of everyday in it this week, reading, doing homework or playing blocks. Imagine the fun to be had when it's complete! Hopefully the kiddos will be swinging away very soon.

Have a safe and fun long weekend!

An Intro to Two Rock Fire...

What was born in the year 1927, is selflessly dedicated, collectively volunteers hours on end and operates out of a teeny building over 100 years old? 

You guessed it, the Two Rock Volunteer Fire Department! (www.tworockfire.com)

Jeff (my husband), is just one of the wonderful volunteers of various talents and certifications that make up this much needed department. He is always waiting on pins-and-needles for that next call. I will never forget the day he got one of his first. He did a combat roll into his gear and in one fluid motion, disappeared backwards into the car with the door magically slamming behind him. Then he was gone in a cloud of dust and flying gravel.

Now that's passion and dedication. 

I never met a group of folks that care more about 35 square miles of land, people and history. It's a lovely thing, so I will be posting news and pictures of cool community events that involve The Trenery Fam and Two Rock Fire. 

Thanks for reading and have a good Friday!

Making a switch...

Hi all!

Someday I hope to be in the portrait photography business. 

But for the time being, I am in the photograph-the-family-day-to-day-business and I have found my calling. 

Thanks to Mary:), I have been inspired to the bone by a beauteous-blog called Blue Yonder. Creator/Mom Stefani, does super cool projects and activities with her boys and documents every minute with her warm, dreamy natural light photographs. Those are the moments and pictures I am always after. 

It dawned on me that I have the kids, the camera and the amazing backdrop to create something similar.

More importantly, I have the lovely friends and family near and far that I want to share them with. Photos are the best way to keep in touch with family members that happen to live, oh I don't know, on the East Coast or somewheres:)

So, for all you folks wondering "What's goin' on out in Two Rock?", this is the photo-blog for you.

Please stay tuned for; "An Intro To Two Rock Fire" and "The Fort-Under Construction"

With love and excitement,

Natalie