Monday, September 23, 2013

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...
IMG_0389
IMG_0404

No matter whether it's actually ON the paper or some other body part!
IMG_0424
IMG_0415

Then there's the everyday necessity of emptying the dishwasher (keeping Ava Jane off the door has become quite a feat!)
IMG_0484
IMG_0482
IMG_0489

She is SUCH.A.HAPPY.GIRL!
IMG_0494

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.
IMG_0558
IMG_0554
IMG_0581
IMG_0579
IMG_0516
IMG_0593

For lunch we ate at All Aboard, which was a huge hit as always! The boys were enamored by the train delivery system.
IMG_0633
IMG_0654

Ava Jane couldn't take her eyes off her crazy brother!
IMG_0647
IMG_0636

Then there was the jumping on the trampoline...
IMG_0910

And of course, there's always something dramatic...so why not a bloody lip? But he's still jumping, no need for ice!
IMG_0907
IMG_0912

There was some outdoor play so I practiced with the lighting while the sun was setting...
IMG_0917
IMG_0914
IMG_0920

She's learning to wrestle.
IMG_0923

Showing me his busted lip. (He's in desperate need of a haircut, gotta get that done this week!)
IMG_0942

She sat watching the three "crazies".
IMG_0976
IMG_0974

And Grammy got some lovin'!
IMG_0996

We capped off our weekend with a bike ride/run on Sunday evening around Pleasant Valley.
IMG_1008
IMG_1018
IMG_1024
IMG_1048

Tying his shoes tight so he can run faster.
IMG_1050

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!
IMG_1053

Sunday evening was perfect, the weather has been beautiful and more fall like than ever, oh how I do love the seasonal changes!
IMG_1109

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!
IMG_1110
IMG_1114
IMG_1129

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!
IMG_1125
IMG_1158
IMG_1151

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!
IMG_1179




Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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!
IMG_0176

Adam has the privilege of coaching his team of friends, and I must say it's quite entertaining to watch!
IMG_0186

They are just learning the basics, so whether they kicked the ball into the right goal or not, we all pretty much get excited!
IMG_0191
IMG_0201

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!)
IMG_0206

"Go Sharks!"
IMG_0229

What a team of cuties, minus Cole!
IMG_0234

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!
IMG_0268

The penguins are always fun to watch.
IMG_0246
IMG_0249

And there's my own little penguin.
IMG_0243

We saw the jaguar and leopard...
IMG_0275
IMG_0263

A black bear name Teo.
IMG_0288

This beautiful cross between a crane and a flamingo.
IMG_0300

The boys even got to pet a Ball Python! I did not touch it, seeing it through the camera was close enough for me!
IMG_0306
IMG_0310
IMG_0314

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!
IMG_0338
IMG_0329
IMG_0335
IMG_0320
IMG_0326

I had a great time with my family...it was a fabulous day for the zoo, the weather was PERFECT!
IMG_0290

That evening we met some friends at Maumelle Park for dinner and fun.
IMG_0364
IMG_0360
IMG_0371
IMG_0377

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!
IMG_0366

IMG_0384
IMG_0359

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!
IMG_0362
IMG_0355

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!
IMG_0379

Spring Break: The Sweet Spot

I've been running mach 2 with my hair on fire and have not been posting as much as I'd like to on this here blog.  I'm a few wee...