I have always thought dandelions were beautiful although they are usually considered weeds. I love the way the light shines through them like a halo of light. When I was a little girl I used to believe they were fairies. If you plucked them you would set the fairies free and therefore they would grant you a wish. So I would pluck a dandelion, make a wish, and blow the fairies free to let my hopes and dreams come true. I still love to do this when I find them. I wanted to take some pictures with the photos backlit. So during that short time of day that comes just twice, and are the fleeting moments known as "magic hour", I took a few pics of some dandeions in the backyard.
These pictures were taken at dusk in July in my backyard. I wanted to take some pictues with the subject backlit. I did not know the spider was on the dandelion when I first started taking the pictures. The spider was a nice surprise. I always enjoy a spider visit in the garden.
That time of day when the light is just right...you know it...magic hour...is so fleeting that before I even knew it the sun was down and all I could do was enjoy the dusk and the dandelions. Just like magic hour, they are ethereal and fleeting, gone on the evening breeze.
A fly landed on her nose.....
A few moments in Ruffles life. Warm grass on a summer day, laying in the shade. enjoying the last of the day's sunshine; a fly on the nose, and then, a short snooze. 
Shanna decided she wanted to grow a pumpkin patch for Halloween so we are growing one in the front yard. It is really taking off. Shanna is watering it in the picture below.
Below are two books I like to use as for reference. Square foot gardening really works but you have to select plants that are suitable for it. I have had good luck growing things in containers as well. We planted tomatoes and peppers in containers again this year. I like to just go pull the tomatoes off the vine and eat them. 
We spent 4th of July at home together as usual. The girls
Shanna likes to get up close.
Kristin on the back patio below. The big box contains my new conversation set.
The pic below is a blooming flower firework while it was still in the air. These are one of my favorites. I always get extras of these.
Fun with sparklers. Another favorite. I always like to see what kinds of pictures I get when we do these. I love how the camera picks up the trails of light.
Kristin and our friend Sal is in the above pic. Below is Ryan and Shanna is taking a pic.
I am in the pic below playing with the sparklers. I love them!
Kristin and one of her sparklers below.
Happy 4th of July everyone. I hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did ours! :) 