St. John's at Christmas

With some snow on the ground and Christmas decorations still up Gabriel and I ventured over to church to get some much needed holiday pictures for the parish’s use. I so enjoy having my little photography buddy with me. It brings a new level of excitement and adventure to the job when he’s by my side.

Front Yard Football

Pumpkin Patch 2016

Surprisingly our favorite spot to get pumpkins isn't at your typical "Pumpkin Patch."  Since the kiddos had off from school yesterday we decided to enjoy the beautiful autumn day by picking out some pumpkins.  We love visiting a local nursery for our annual pumpkins.  They have a wide variety to choose from (and yes, the kids wanted one of every kind) and the setups are always pretty.  They don't always have your standard...hey kids, stand here and let me take your picture, but I sort of enjoy that.  Despite the harsh shadows of the high noon sunlight, and the fact that it looks like a pumpkin is growing out of Gabriel's head (because they didn't want to sit down on the concrete), I really enjoy the image I captured of Lorelai looking at Gabriel.  After picking out our pumpkins we picked up some lunch, had a picnic outside and then I pretended to be the Joker while the kids donned their superhero masks.  Gabriel decided to hide behind the giant cedar tree which makes for one of my favorite pictures of him ever.  Lorelai was all about saving the world.  She looks so little, but so capable.

First Day of School - 1st Grade & Kindergarten

Today is Lorelai and Gabriel's first day at their new school.  Gabriel is headed into 1st Grade, (which holds a special place in my heart being a former 1st Grade teacher) and Lorelai is headed into Kindergarten!  Leading up to this day Gabriel was the most nervous, worried about meeting people, being able to tuck in his shirt well enough, not knowing his way around the school.  Lorelai has been very positive, excited to get back to all of the learning, and making friends, but mostly the learning!  Not to mention, Lorelai's teacher (Mrs. Moore) is new to the school as well which bring a level of comfort to Lorelai.

But, once we stepped in the classrooms today Lorelai had to put on her brave face and really fight back the tears.  I got her focused on some coloring to distract her and we said our goodbyes.  Gabriel on the other hand was all smiles as he looked at his coloring sheet and realized he knew what to do without needing instructions, and he even giggled when his pencil broke.  And while I could see tears in his eyes as I hugged him goodbye I could also see that as soon as I stepped out of the door he was going to be just fine.  I did stroll by Lorelai's room one more time where she was doing fine, just focusing on her coloring page and making sure not to look up at all.  Sweet kiddo.  

I just know that when I pick them up after school they're both going to have so many great things to tell me about their day, and I can't wait to hear about it.  In the meantime I think I'm going to enjoy some peace and quiet for the next few hours.

Summer Fun & Rabbit Hunters

I'm going to be completely honest here and say that we are having a super lazy summer.  We're sitting and iPadding...watching movies and TV...reading...and then we take the occasional splash in the hot tub or swing on the swings.  It's been really nice.  

Our evenings as of late are spent either outside, or finding amusement in our guard dogs, protecting us from the evil rabbit that makes it's way into the backyard some evenings.  Every day, around 6:30 p.m. the dogs each take up their stations preparing for battle, and they stay there until it's bedtime. Our heroes! 

Photographically...I'm attempting to embrace shadow more.  I tend to like light and bright images.  But, there is something about the moodiness of shadow and the classic feel of black and white images that is really appealing to me as well right now.  (I also find it helps to cut down on the messy cluttery look my house has right now with the kids home all day. )