Present for the teacher

Most parents give candles or gift certificates or bath and body works......I give pictures.  I am ahead of the game this year for Elijah's kindergarten teacher's Christmas gift.  She asked if I would take pictures of her niece so that she could give them to her sister for Christmas.  I was happy to do if for her.  Grace had for kindergarten and now Elijah has her.....and I am willing to bet that Micah will have her next year.

2009 "School Picture" Retake

I don't mean to be a photography snob.....but I kind of am. I just can't stomach spending at least 20 bucks a kid on pictures that basically only function as a documentation of another school year. I never really display these photos. So instead I thought that every year we would do our own "school pics". I explained to my kids that mommy is capable of taking way more fun pictures that none of their other friends would have. They still would get to say cheese for Lifetouch....which hasn't changed much since mommy went to school I might say...except maybe color of background. And I can still print pictures for way cheaper for my whole family. So the first time we attempted to get individual shots....not everyone was totally cooperating. This time attitudes were a little better but still a little painful to get my kids to even look in the direction of my camera. All in all I am very pleased with this years pics.

A Typical Evening!

I think we have to be the weirdest  parents around.  But we often find ourselves turning up the music and practicing our robots/hiphop/breakdancing....well that is daddy and kids....as mommy is usually behind the camera.  Thought you might enjoy being a pseudo fly on our wall.

Messing with Texture

So with any obsession....I mean hobby their is always something bigger and better to learn about....and purchase. Just recently I thought it might be good to invest in some textures for my photos. I have been playing but it's not as easy as it looked on the website I bought them from. But I have been having fun. Here are few pics from our shoot with our friends. It's subtle....feel free to tell me whether you love it or hate it.

Getting out of town!

We finally had the opportunity to "get out of town" and join our friends at their cabin.  So complicated to get ours and their schedules aligned just right.  But it was well worth the wait to spend great quality time with them.  I enjoyed having dinner, playing games, and of course making a fire with smores.  Our friend just also happens to be a photographer and we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take some "fall pics".  And I am sure that everyone knows that getting your pictures taken is a big production for a family of 6.  So much effort goes into getting everyone all dolled up.  So you can imagine the frustration when we are in prestine surroundings with cranky uncooperative children.  Aaron did manage to get some anyways....thanks for being such a trooper. As one photographer to another I realize we weren't easy to shoot!  So glad that you love us anyway!  

Playing Princess

For the past two years David has avoided the Air Force Ball by not letting me know about it till it was too late.  But this year I was on top of things and after much begging and using our kids inappropriately by saying "daddy doesn't want to take me to the ball", he finally agreed to go!  I made it easy for him too....I borrowed a fabulous dress, only spent $8.67 on my shoes, did my own toes and hair and make-up, and scheduled the babysitter who doubled as our photographer beforehand.  Of course, he had a last minute patient and had to cruise home 15 minutes before we were supposed to leave and put on all his crazy "gear".  Then I dragged him into a wheat field thinking it would be cool to have some pics in our glam wear in the Montana surroundings. First of all, like most guys he doesn't exactly enjoy pictures, then add 90 degree heat.....and lots and lots of dust and you can imagine the impatience.  However, David stuck with it....and we managed to get cleaned up and on time for ball.  Once we got their I was shocked at how well David worked the room.  So weird to not be the one knowing everyone.  I think it has a lot to do with the amount or respect his co-workers and bosses have for him.  Several people I talked to told me how much they appreciate David as their doctor.  After the toasts, and dinner, and pomp and circumstance was over....the dance began.  I can't say the DJ was the best I had ever heard.  But they did play several songs that we managed to get on the dance floor for.  The funniest thing of all is that I think David actually enjoyed dancing even more than I did.  He has definitely got some sweet dance moves.....that came out on the floor.  We had such a great night.....and afterward David had to admit that I was right in saying that we would enjoy it.

P.S. When I was rereading my post I noticed David had changed my wording when he was helping upload the pictures from "pent up dance frustration......too sweet dance moves.  When I told him I had discovered his little move he started laughing hysterically.  Just had to add that in for the record.

Lots of Biggies!

We've had lots of "biggie's" lately. And although I am a little behind in posting I couldn't resist sharing about Micah's big first day at Pre-school. He was so excited before he went to school he could hardly wait. You could tell that he was just so happy that it was finally his turn to go to school. I already can tell that he is doing really well and thriving.  He loves coming home and telling me all about what he learned about and did that day. And I have to say I am absolutely enjoying running my errands with only one child in tow. It has been so long since I have only had one to tend to while trying to accomplish the days tasks. I do miss my kids for sure. However, I know that being at school is growing them in such a significant way as well as really makes me appreciate who they are!