Weekend In Pictures

This past week I began an online photography class, aimed at capturing the day to day, everyday moments. I have been wanting to take this course for quite some time, Ashley Ann, from the blog Under the Sycamore, only offers the class a couple times a year and it's very popular so getting in is tough because it's on a "first come first serve" basis. The last time she offered the class the spaces filled up in 15 minutes, but thankfully, with my Mom's help, I was able to get into the current class with no problem. The day that sign up started, I actually had a meeting at Peyton's school at the exact time that the signup began so I asked my Mom to get online and do it for me. I owe her a big "Thank You" for helping me out!

I have had a DSLR camera now for almost 3 years, but honestly I have been extremely intimidated to get off of Automatic and into Manual Mode, but I am hoping to get over my "fear" and begin learning how to capture the precious moments that I get to be apart of each day. So here goes, here's a little bit of what I've captured so far.

We love to paint at the kitchen table...



No matter whether it's actually ON the paper or some other body part!



Then there's the everyday necessity of emptying the dishwasher (keeping Ava Jane off the door has become quite a feat!)




She is SUCH.A.HAPPY.GIRL!


Friday Adam took off of work and we kept Peyton home just for fun! We took the kids to the Children's Museum downtown and I must say that was quite a trip in the POURING DOWN RAIN, trying to get from the parking deck inside the building! You'll have to take notice of all the kids rain soaked clothes in these pics.







For lunch we ate at All Aboard, which was a huge hit as always! The boys were enamored by the train delivery system.



Ava Jane couldn't take her eyes off her crazy brother!



Then there was the jumping on the trampoline...


And of course, there's always something dramatic...so why not a bloody lip? But he's still jumping, no need for ice!



There was some outdoor play so I practiced with the lighting while the sun was setting...




She's learning to wrestle.


Showing me his busted lip. (He's in desperate need of a haircut, gotta get that done this week!)


She sat watching the three "crazies".



And Grammy got some lovin'!


We capped off our weekend with a bike ride/run on Sunday evening around Pleasant Valley.





Tying his shoes tight so he can run faster.


And this poor thing was screaming to get out and run too...so we finally gave in to the pitiful-ness of this little guy!


Sunday evening was perfect, the weather has been beautiful and more fall like than ever, oh how I do love the seasonal changes!


My dear sweet husband pushed the jogger stroller with Ava Jane while also carrying Lawson's bike so that the boys could run and I could try and practice taking pictures...he's a DEFINITE KEEPER! Love you Ad!




There was a little bit of creek time and rock throwing of course. I'm trying to learn how to "freeze" the picture, as you can see from the "splash", I'm starting to get the hang of it which feels good after all my hours of frustration this past week as I've been learning more about my camera!




I am having fun trying new things and learning how to adjust the different settings, I still have so much to learn, but I'm enjoying the class! Hope y'all had a good weekend, happy Monday!

Weekend of Fun

Friday night we had a great time celebrating Ava Jane's 1st birthday.

Bright and early Saturday morning we headed out the door for Lawson's first soccer practice and game. Last week we ended up missing it because most of our family had the stomach bug, thankfully this weekend we were all on the mend and we could enjoy the cooler September weather!

Lawson was up at 6:15, dressed and ready to go. He was super excited!


Adam has the privilege of coaching his team of friends, and I must say it's quite entertaining to watch!


They are just learning the basics, so whether they kicked the ball into the right goal or not, we all pretty much get excited!



Most of the time they were having a blast...though there were some moments where you could tell that Lawson was NOT having a good time! (We'll have to work on this part!)


"Go Sharks!"


What a team of cuties, minus Cole!


After the game we came home, grabbed a quick bite of lunch then headed for the zoo. We got to see many "new" animals (meaning, animals that aren't usually out!) The kids had a great time and Adam got to come along too, so that made it even better!


The penguins are always fun to watch.



And there's my own little penguin.


We saw the jaguar and leopard...



A black bear name Teo.


This beautiful cross between a crane and a flamingo.


The boys even got to pet a Ball Python! I did not touch it, seeing it through the camera was close enough for me!




And because it was actually Ava Jane's birthday we rode the carousel, which we don't usually do on our visits to the zoo, but I must say she had a great time and squealed with delight!






I had a great time with my family...it was a fabulous day for the zoo, the weather was PERFECT!


That evening we met some friends at Maumelle Park for dinner and fun.





This was the moment Emerson said, "Momma, I have poopoo..." and I realized it was all up his back...that was lovely! Luckily I had wipes but hadn't packed pullups, and thankfully a friend came to our rescue, it was girly pullup but it did the job!





It was just a lovely evening, beautiful and peaceful, though I must say I've never seen the park quite so crowded. Everyone had the same idea to come and enjoy the night, and boy, we sure did!



Fun with friends is always good! I had a great weekend. I love to be busy doing fun, memorable things, so last weekend was practically perfect, because I got to do a lot of the things I enjoy doing (planning and hosting a party, getting to see lots of friends and being with my little family). What a blessing! Hope you're having a good week! Mine's been much better then the harry-ness of last week!