My New Sewing Buddy
While Gabriel was on a playdate today, Lorelai completed her first ever sewing project(s). Hair bows! She was so methodical and curious, wanting to use the proper terms for everything. I'm so excited to see her enthusiasm for a hobby that means so much to me. Sewing on my first machine. Creating beautiful memories that I will cherish forever.
Thanksgiving 2016
We had a lovely time hosting family for Thanksgiving this year. There was lots of yummy food, football, and fun! Now it's full steam ahead to Christmas!
I tried my hand at taking our own family portrait for our Christmas card this year. Unfortunately, while the plan would have worked wonderfully had the sun cooperated, things did not go as planned and I had to try to work with super cloudy weather. There is more shadow than I would like, but it was neat to experiment with my camera's wifi feature to remote trigger the camera with my cell phone. It allowed me to see how everyone looked before taking the shot so that we had all eyes on the camera with great smiles. Next year I'll have to try to get ahead of the game and take this picture before the time change so we can be outside in the golden hour.
Canon 80D
Lately I have really been trying to continue growing my knowledge of photography, which much like I did with sewing made me realize I am outgrowing some of my equipment. Now...I know the equipment is just a tool. But, with more experience you realize what your tools can and can't achieve for you. I did a ton of research before purchasing a new camera. I REALLY wanted to upgrade to a full frame. But, when it came down to it, I don't have the money right now to spend on a bunch of pro glass (aka lenses), and frankly the weight of pro glass just isn't realistic for someone like me who likes to take their DSLR on vacation with them. I considered adding a mirrorless for travel, but then I considered all of the money I'd have to spend on additional glass. When it came down to it I decided to just upgrade what I was using so I made the move from a Canon 70D to an 80D.
Yes, it's a poorly named camera body, but it has slightly better low light performance than my 70D which is really what I was looking for. Would full frame have done an even better job? Yes. But, that's just not in the cards right now. Yesterday my new body showed up and I took it for a test run in low light situations and I must say I'm pleased and notice a difference. The noise is still there but it's more consistent and less distracting for the most part. In some situations I'm just going to have to learn to accept that it's there and there isn't anything I can do about that.
Other things I'm enjoying is that this camera has a higher megapixel count, the body is lighter which will be great for vacations and just out and about photography, the dynamic range is improved, the new menu system is amazing, and frankly...it's just fun to have a new toy. Something familiar but improved.
Someday I'll get that full frame, but for now I'm enjoying my improved low light performance around the house.
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.
Kids in a Candy Store
As a little treat for all of their hard work in school I treated the kids to some candy at our local candy store, Rocket Fizz. It was our first time to visit and I now a full appreciation for the phrase, "...like kids in a candy store."
A day off...
Originally we had planned to head to Houston for Labor Day weekend, but forces beyond our control caused us to, once again, cancel that trip. I wasn't really disappointed as a quiet weekend at home after a few busy weeks of school sounds really nice. Brian had already planned to take Friday off so we decided to use that as a day out for the two of us. We hit up the OKC Museum of Art viewing the temporary Matisse exhibit and the permanent Chihuly exhibit followed up with some yummy lunch at The Mule and dessert at Pie Junkie.
Paisley
August 26th was National Dog Day, in addition to Lorelai's birthday. As I was snapping pictures of Lorelai I realized I hadn't taken many of Paisley lately. She's funny...she strikes the most awkward faces/poses when the camera comes out. It's like she's that teenager who is sick of mom taking pictures. But, every once in a while I catch a gem that either makes me smile, or laugh...or just reminds me of what a gentle giant she is.
Lorelai's 6th Birthday
Yesterday Lorelai turned six years old. Somehow, this week, six seems like such a big number. We have had six years of her infectious laughter ringing through the house. Six years of nonstop talking and singing (regardless of whether or not you could always understand what she was saying). Six years of acting older than her age to keep up with her brother. Six years of her hugs and kisses. Six years of getting to know this incredibly sharp, intelligent, witty, creative, kind, generous, opinionated, confident, and darling little girl of ours. Six. Six of the most amazing years of my life being her mom.
Gabriel Earns His White Belt
Gabriel began Karate yesterday. This is something he's been asking about since mid-Spring. Brian and I are both surprised that our quiet, sensitive, shy kiddo wants to be in karate, but I really think it's just the thing for him. He's already learning so much about confidence from Master Lewis and I believe God has put just the right idea and people into Gabriel's life at just the right time. Gabriel wasn't even nervous about breaking the "board" and Master Lewis was so encouraging through all of his practice beforehand. Gabriel is so pleased to have earned his white belt, and looks forward to earning many more.