Christmas 2012

Christmas has always been such a special time for Casey and I. It's even more exciting with Harvey. This year Harvey knows Christmas. He can tell you the story of baby Jesus and he knows Santa brings him presents if he behaves. But it was really difficult for him to understand the difference between Christmas time (the decorations and the music and parties and seeing lights and shopping and wrapping and lots of cookies) and the actual day of Christmas when Santa comes. These are some of our Christmas time photos.


Our Tree



One of our favorites. We like the hand made look. Felt, wood, metal


Love the angel! Casey and I got her our first Christmas together.


Harvey's Christmas village. I let him play with this set but when the people break we toss them out.



Mom and I took Harvey to the Christmas Tree lot to look at trees and get some pictures. They had names for each tree along with the price on the tags. He had fun finding the tags and having us tell him the tree's name.



This was our Christmas card photo. The last shot of the day.



Finding a tag.




We've been to Lewis Ginter's Celebration in Lights the past few years. This was the first year that Casey was able to come with us. Sarah, my sister came too. It was beautiful as always.



In the tunnel at the Children's garden.



Through the dragon's belly!



The night before Christmas and too excited to sit still for a proper photo.




Cookies and milk for Santa and carrots and water for the reindeer.




And he did come...with a Leap Pad 2 (aka ipad for kids)

Pumpkins and other farm things.

A fall tradition - going to the "farm" for pumpkins. Lucky us, we had free tickets this season. It was so much fun. Lunch was wonderful and getting there early makes all the difference.


Feeding the rabbits.


Love the colors of this rooster. He cock-a-doodle-dooed a lot.


A goat.


What kid doesn't love a bouncy house?


My boys


Hay. Hay. And more hay.











One of my favorite things about this time of year is a pig race. I love the pigs!


Two years ago Harvey rode the horse. Last year he almost rode the horse. This year, back on the horse.







There are other fun rides too!



Then, finally we do the pumpkins.

A Photo Challenge

July | August | September

July 3, 2012 - Several times a year we vacation in a small town on the Eastern Shore. Photos with the dolphin are required. sooc

August 20, 2012- Little Bit our third and final (at least for a very long time) cat. We have five four legged children, the three cats and two beagles. sooc

August 26, 2012 - Bubble Art.

August 27, 2012- We took Harvey out of school for the summer. This was his first day back. He is now in preschool and gets to carry a back pack. He is so smart and learning so much.

September 10, 2012- Harvey loves this swing. It's the kind with a rope and a disk to sit or stand on. He always gives the best smiles on the swing.

Memories, Dreams, and Reflections 2011

I remember when photography was new to me. It started on the baby forum, The Bump. Then moved over to SPN. I bought a camera, read a ton, learned a lot, applied a little, bought more stuff, started a blog - then a new "hobby" came along. This new interest came from SPN biggest loser group where we would take photos of the scale each week as we strive towards a healthier weight. Diet and exercise, specifically running and chocolate in moderation is my new thing. I spend time at RWOL and I plan my runs with my weight training and yoga. Some times I food journal and count calories. I have more energy. I feel good. And I'm looking better. It's my new thing and photography seems to be forgotten.

So, today I check my blog feed to see if Reality Steve has posted the latest on The Bachelor and I see Ashley Sisk's sneak peak of an adorable little boy. That leads me to Memories, Dreams, and Reflections. I remember last year how excited and proud I was to participate in that challenge. I remember how much fun photography can be. To pick up the camera. To document my family and the beauty around me in photographs. I find myself feeling those old feelings and missing this community. I updated my blog pages, started this entry, and feel hopeful that this challenge will push me towards the love and excitement of photography once again.

Me.


I Love You


Still Laughing. Little boys and their dance moves.


Winter Wonderland. The train tracks on a snow covered day.


Birthday. Cupcake silence.


Friends. These two are best buds.


I Was Inspired - I've got nothing.

Spring Fever. The leaf bud of my lilac.


Travel or Vacation. Sunset in July.


Summer Days. Beautiful girl at the beach.


A Day In My Life.


All Smiles. He really learned how to love the camera this year!


Autumn Harvest. The remains of a cone flower picked bare by the birds.


Family or Home. My parents and my son.


Celebrate! First day of Spring means warmer weather and sun dresses!


Let's Do It Again. The annual photo with the dolphin at our vacation location.


I Miss You. I really miss the beach this time of year.


Beautiful. North Carolina field.


Dress Up. My little airplane.


Macro. A pine cone taken with my 50mm held backwards against my camera body.


Holidays. Pumpkin carving.


My Favorite


Don't Ever Change. Keep on running!


Just Because...It's my boys at my beach.


Hopes and Dreams. This was taken in July. I'm about 5 pounds lighter now. My goal is to be mid 120s by this summer.