to plant a rose garden

These are from my Grandma Carol's rose garden. What a wonderful thing to have every morning during blooming season. Huge, fragrant, gorgeous roses bunched in a simple vase on your breakfast table. (Now to read up on planting and managing my own little rose patch.)

uncle ryan, the actor

My brother, Ryan, has recently been in a slew of plays at Delta College and the Stockton Civic Threater. And tonight he is currently attending the Civic Theater's awards banquet where he has been nominated for a 'Willie' (William Shakespeare) for his role in Barefoot in the Park as Paul Bratter. Good luck Uncle 'Rynee'!

my seven-year-old

Myka turned seven! My little first baby I ever had! She is such an interesting and intelligent girl. Her favorite things include tigers, leopards, ice cream and swimming. Aaron and I love her very much and are so happy she came to us in this world.

tiek built homes

My talented cousin, Meikel, photographs homes and design projects for her friends at Tiek Built Homes in Utah. Here are some photos she took for their design blog in a Benjamin Blackwelder post. Check out their design blog here.

cherrybums on the fourth

We celebrated the 4th in Utah with the Provo Parade and a great family gathering at Becky and Brian's in Mapleton. Myka and Haily and their little cherry bums had a blast, needless to say. (Check out the heavy duty waterballoon sling shots that the kids played with for about two hours!)