dude. the sad thing is that I can totally relate. my cabbage patch doll was like family to me at that age too. My brother in law had one too. His name was Blackmar? What? If you haven't been to this site by now, please go for your own guilty pleasure.
Check out these cute organic towel sets. I think they are adorable and would make a great party favor or hostess gift. But, then I ask myself... it is a little spendy? I love the concept and the idea is inspiring, but a little on the expensive side for me.
So after dinner we headed over to the park to unwind. Sharks and minnows was the favorite. June has also learned how to dive down the slide head first. Something her Dad taught her.
I'm obsessed with this picture.
Victoria
Slide static.
Back home. William and Victoria have a special love for each other.
okay, only one post left.
Caroline and her 4 girls have been here for the past 3 weeks and we have had fun. They have the most beautiful blue eyes. They came over for a Brentwood farmer's market feast on Sunday and I couldn't help but capture those eyes. We had zucchini, fresh corn on the cob, strawberries and mangos, and pasta with fresh garlic, basil and tomatoes from Grandpa's garden.
cute girls, and I didn't satirize these pictures at all! just a little contrast and that's it. that is how blue they are!
I officially have 4 more posts to complete my 30 posts in 30 days by today. Hmmmm? How is that possible? I guess I'm going to do 4 posts today. It's like a race to the finish line. I'm finding myself a little unmotivated, but a challenge is a challenge so here goes...
I have always had an idealistic view of farms. The reasons for that are complicated and have a lot to do with a rather dysfunctional relationship I had in college. But, whatever the reason, I have this weird belief that if I could just move my kids out to a farm and have our family work the land together all of our problems would be solved. Not that we really have problems, but you get the idea. Ben always teases me because he is a city boy and proud of it. I guess we have met somewhere in the middle in what is referred to as suburbia. Hey, I can see cows out my window in the Windemere hills from time to time.
Because of this dreamy idealistic view of farms, I'm always wanting to go to farmers markets and to u-pick farms. Again, something Ben isn't necessarily attracted to. This last weekend I was in charge of what we were doing and so we headed off to Brentwood to pick some plums. Luckily, that is Ben's favorite fruit so he was more than willing to come along. We picked up William's cousin Abbey and headed out.
the plums were so high up the kids had to hit them with sticks to get them off the trees. They didn't mind one bit. What kid doesn't like to hit stuff with sticks?
It was fun, but I think we'll go for the cherries next year. I hear they are closer to the ground and much easier for the kids to pick.
So, I wanted to practice some composition shots for engagements/couples and who else to turn to for my guinea pigs but my resident model look alike friends. I find that when I get there to take pictures of people it takes a lot of work to direct them when I don't have an idea of what I want. I'm trying to be more prepared so I can get the best out of every shoot.
Here are our trial shots. Literally, I showed up at the Brintons and made them do this 15 min after I arrived. Whitney had no makeup on and it scares me how beautiful she is. On that note, I love her too. I feel nothing but loved and supported by her in everything I do and that is hard to find. Thanks for always making me feel like I matter to you.
look at Whitney in this one! she literally had zero make-up on! It's not fair!
Um, HOT!
the light was actually total crap because it was like 7:30 pm so the shots aren't as clear as I would like. Just thinking composition ideas. Anyway, it was pretty cute to see them flirting with each other like they were just dating or something. There was definitely some heat between them! Two kids later and they still like each other and then some!
thanks models. I owe you something cool.
I forgot these pictures. I was at black butte and came around the corner to go up the stairs and ran into this little scene. I mean, does it get cuter? There is something so great about communal living. Cousins should be together under the same roof more often. These are 4 of the 5 youngest grandkids and they fit perfectly on the top step. Ruby, Harrison, William and June. 4 peas in a pod.
some shots from the park last week. it's getting hot.
say no to crack.
I think she might have needed a diaper change at this point. and pants.
her lack of fear scares me.
we painted her nails for the first time. right of passage.
I am so over the 30 posts in 30 days challenge. what was I thinking? I am taking a sabbatical after next week is over.
check it! dude. ashley? mandi? whitney? camille? annie? are you there?
I have goose bumps!!
is it just me or does Edward look kinda gross? do vampires have chest hair?
William just started swim lessons and he loves it. He was kicking his legs with the class on the steps and he yells over to me "Mom, this is awesome... this is totally awesome!"
Mind you I was at least 20 feet away with all the other parents. He was of course quoting "Bolt" when he sticks his head out the window for the first time. That must have been how it felt to him.
We have also been reading a lot of scriptures lately. Lazarus being raised from the dead and the prodigal son... you know... the light stuff. The other day he asked me what "damnation" meant and in the same breath asked what a "foster parent" was. Too much New Testament and watching "Hotel For Dogs." Interesting conversation that vocab lesson lead to. He doesn't let me get away with crappy answers either.
I love being his mom. I found this quote from my friend Alyssa's blog that she wrote about being a mother and I couldn't help but agree:
I am a Mother.
And my corsage isn't made of flowers. It's made of boogers. And my necklace isn't made of jewels... it's made of children's arms. And my glory isn't made from rest... it's made from hard work.
I love this guy. Even though he whacked me with a light saber on the back of the calves this morning... I still love him.
This is one day. One very long, very tiring day. I get tired just trying to sum it up. Can I just let the pictures do the talking because I'm exhausted?
morning: 4th of July neighborhood parade
Afternoon- William/Mike combined b-day party.
Evening- Never ending photo shoot. I had carpal tunnel for a week afterwards from taking so many pictures!
Later that evening- Fireworks in the driveway! California is missing out big time!
I've been putting off this post for so long because the thought of getting it all in was daunting. Even though it is without written details, I'm done. I'm going to bed.
