Flowering Dogwood, JMU Arboretum, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

One from a visit to the JMU Arboretum earlier this Spring.

Six months old, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Floor gym, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Rose, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

The other Sunday we had special time in our church service when our daughter was dedicated. It was a great time that my wife and I appreciated greatly. After the service we were given this beautiful rose by the person who coordinates the visuals at the front of the church. The rose is sitting in a vase in our living room as a beautiful reminder of undeserved gifts and blessings.

First taste of solid food, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Seems like everyday is something new, and this evening in particular was a foray into the world of solid(-ish) food…sweet potatoes to be exact. For a first time taste of something different, they seemed to be a hit. And of course, the temptation to feed herself or at least control the spoon was just almost too much contain.

See more from the first solid food experience on Flickr.

Dying Easter Eggs, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

See more photos of Easter egg dying on Flickr.

Trout Pond, Lost River, West Virginia by Holden Byler

On our recent mini-vacation to Lost River in West Virginia, we decided to take a walk from the cabin where we were staying to Trout Pond which we thought was much closer than it turned out to be. So we did not quite make it the whole way there before we turned back, but the walk was fun nonetheless. There was some beautiful sunlight streaming through the early blooming trees on either side of the road.

Eastern Phoebe, Lost River, West Virginia by Holden Byler

Moon, Lost River, West Virginia by Holden Byler

I suppose we really don’t have a lot to complain about in terms of light pollution in Harrisonburg, however it is rather amazing to catch a glimpse of the night sky in a place like Lost River, West Virginia where we spent a couple of nights over the extended Easter weekend.

Summer Snowflakes, JMU Arboretum, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

This past weekend I was able to make a quick trip over to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens located on the campus of James Madison University. It was a bit rainy and overcast, but the plus side was I pretty much had the arboretum to myself which is definitely a rarity.

It is fun to start seeing the flowers and trees beginning to bloom, and see the bright Spring colors beginning to creep back into the Harrisonburg landscape.

Sydney and the Red Elephant, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

One of the new found joys these days is this red elephant teething toy coupled with the increasing ability to grab onto toys…and even navigate them into her mouth. For whatever reason she really seems to gravitate towards this red elephant, though her mother will gladly take credit for this seeing as red is her favorite color.

We are so thankful for the progression she is making. It certainly brings new enjoyment to everyday to see what fun and exciting things she will do.

See more of Sydney and the Red Elephant on Flickr.

Enjoying a beautiful evening, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

We have been blessed with unusually warm weather this end of winter, beginning of spring with temperatures getting into the 70s. Perfect weather for opening up the doors and windows and kicking (literally even) back and enjoying!

I suppose we should enjoy it while we can because who knows what the rest of the early spring could hold.

I love sticking out my tongue, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

…stick my tongue out when I am happy, of course!

Into the window, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Into the window, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Reading, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Snowy Daffodils, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

American Robin, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

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A couple of months back a designer for the SweetFrog website contacted me about using some of my photos for their site redesign. I noticed the other day that the photos were up. Pretty cool!

Tummy Time, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Lazy Saturday Morning, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Goofing off, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Mobiles, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

“Tummy Time”, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler

Not always her favorite activity in the world, but you have to build up those neck muscles somehow.

Self-entertainment, Harrisonburg, Virginia by Holden Byler