Trikes & Grass

I LOVE the summertime! Not only because of all the fun things we have going on and the warm weather and the popsicles and the swimming and the BBQ'ing....but I digress. I also LOVE the sunlight this time of year. Each season has such uniquely warm evening light and while I am surrounded by beautiful scenery year round in this awesome state, I can't say that I always get to take advantage of the light.

Anyway... here are a few summery shots I took after Easton's birthday. His aunt & uncle brought him this super sweet, vintage tricycle for his birthday. I can't decide what I like better about it, the ape-hanger-ish handlebars, or the streamers. Wait a second....... are streamers for girls????? Hmm......

One Year of Sweet, Parental, Bliss

My son turned 1 on the 19th of July. I can hardly believe it! The time has flown by and over the past few days all I can think about is the night we checked into the maternity ward at Good Samaritan Hospital. I thought he was beautiful then.... but look at him now.........

After Easton was born, someone said to me that after their first child was born, she couldn't possibly understand how she could love a second child the same as she loved her first. At the time, I thought, you're nuts! This is so much fun, I could love 100 kids just the way I love Easton. He was awesome as a newborn. He was easy: a good eater, an excellent sleeper and always seemed to be happy. But now that he's 1, I feel a little different. First of all, I could NEVER have 100 kids. But I also think I understand what she meant. There's something so genuine and unique about the way you love your kids. And although I haven't had anymore at this point, I know that this time is particularly special. Easton is a beacon of joy. A constant source of happiness and his entry into our lives has changed so much about who I am. I feel like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.... my heart has grown and felt so much in the last year. And all it took was this tiny, little person with squishy cheeks, chubby thighs, and a silly giggle to come into my life and show me what it's all about.

And you wanna know the best part of it all? He loves to snuggle. :)

Happy Birthday Easton.

10 Things I Learned About Mexico

1. The Margaritas really are better south of the border.


2. There's no sense in getting a pedicure if you are spending any time at the beach.


3. I finally understand why people prefer the pool to the ocean water.


4. Nothing compares to dinner under a grass hut with friends & family and the surf nipping at your toes.


5. 2 for 1 Happy Hour can actually last for 7 hours!


6. Nothing is the same in Mexico as it is in The States. This includes cheeseburgers, Doritos & Subway.


7. There is something to be said for American emissions requirements. (AND TRAFFIC LAWS!)


8. Mexican beer is good.


9. My Spanish teacher was really good.


10. And there's no place like home.

156 Perspectives

So far so good. I haven't missed any topics for our photograpy project. AND I even got one of my project photos published on the Pioneer Woman's blog! I couldn't believe it! Week 2 was "Fowl" (as in birds). I really do adore this shot and am so proud to have had it published on the PW Photography Assignments blog! I'm in Group 3 so you'll have to scroll down about halfway down the page to see my entry.

Last week's topic was fitting for the dates. "EASTER EGGS" I was having a bit of a creative block, but I snapped these on Easter before family got to the house for dinner. Next time I'll try to be a little more original on the seasonal theme!

*SIGH*

Well, sad news Folks. I have no new sessions to blog about! I suppose I should be grateful that nobody booked with me during this wretched week of wintery weather. (I mean c'mon! SNOW? IN APRIL???) So that means you all are stuck. Stuck seeing the sweetest, little face on Earth. This is someone you have (or will) come to know and recognize. Our boy, Easton.

How can you not love this face!?

Sweet Series

Last weekend we had some seriously gorgeous sunshine! I brought Easton outside to soak up some sunshine while it lasted and caught this sweet series of candids. (Well, they are sort of all candid at this stage, aren't they?)

156 Perspectives

March 1st marked the beginning of a personal development project that I have embarked on with two fellow photographers. We are calling it 156 Perspectives. Every week for 52 weeks, we will shoot a different topic and submit our best images. Shooting every day is so important but is sometimes difficult when you have a life!

For each of us, the challenge is different and I have a feeling it will evolve for me. My personal goal is to start shooting more often and to produce a better image straight out of the camera. I need to get out of the habit of tweaking my work in PS and hone my skills as a photographer. So, each of my images will have minimal to no post-processing. The other challenge for me is to start shooting subjects that I normally wouldn't seek out. My hope is that this exercise will force me to think outside the box when it comes to location and light. My specialty is natural light, and sometimes that can be challenging, especially with our FANTASTIC NW weather-the rain can put a serious damper on things!

This week's subject is FOWL: as in, Birds! I had originally hoped to take pictures of some chickens my sister-in-law is acquainted with, but my schedule didn't cooperate. So, I found these little guys and went to town....well, not exactly. Just to my backyard. Next week: GRASS!