No school today so I took the kids to Yunker Farm, the children’s museum here. While Dillan was ‘milking the cow’ he was laughing out loud about making it ‘pee’. Boys.
My clients/friends came to visit us today! They even brought their dog for a puppy playdate with our dog. We had a nice visit and I snapped a few pictures! Beth, I have more, will post tomorrow!
This is my Thomas. We call him ’Moose’. He’s still just a baby but bigger than most adult cats. Dillan calls him his ‘best’ kitty. [meaning his favorite] Thomas snuggles me the most, he likes to lay on my lap when I’m on the computer. He likes to lay down while he eats. Sometimes he’s even a little futher from the bowl and he will paw the food out of the dish and drag it closer to him. He’s crazy.
I pulled out Connor’s first tooth today. It’s been wiggly for over a week now. He’s checked it every day to see if it’s looser. Today he was outside playing in the snow and decided to chomp on an icicle. He came in the house crying because it hurt his loose tooth. A little while later we decided to try and pull it out. It came out quite easily, bled a little bit, and then was just fine for a photograph!
And so am I. It’s been a long few days. Too much insomnia, not enough sleep, and the dreary weather dragging me down. I love this look about Ruby, though. She’s so sweet and lovey. I just love those ears.
This morning when I woke up it was foggy. Very foggy. But as the sun came up I could see the beauty awaken too. The hoarfrost was so thick and defined this morning. I was so pleased to get some nice fine detail in the frosty flakes on the branches.
Today I baked a lot of loaves of banana bread. My house smells amazing!
Thomas was watching the small snowflakes falling today. I took opportunity to capture him and his reflection.
I have the house extra humidified since the cold is cold and dry. The kids like to use the windows and patio door for fun.
Dillan started getting sick last night – he threw up a couple times and then again this afternoon. He whiped out on the couch early this evening and look who jumped up to give him some comforts. awwww.
The theme on the photography message board today was ’5′. Right away my furries came to mind. I had a great vision - all of them lined up so perfectly on the couch, in just the right light, they only needed to sit still for a second so I could snap. I was feeling a bit like Anne Geddes. Boy was I wrong. Ruby, surprisingly, was the best holder-stiller. Jelliebeanie got comfy up high and I just decided to let her lay there. Hazel was ok for a minute, until Ruby started bugging her and Millie had NO DESIRE to even be near the rest of the gang. Thomas didn’t really have a care in the world either. This was the best of the shots. I’ll take it!
left to right: Millie, Hazel, Jelliebeanie up on top, Ruby the dog, and Thomas
My sons have taken a liking to the game Sorry. Today all three kids and I played a game. I lost.
I know what great fun Webkinz is for my kids. It’s a safe place for them to play. But this game of Webkinz checkers sure has Dillan on edge! No fear, he won despite the momentary disbelief!
But James also brought home a pineapple! Now this is something we all love!
Coming straight from Florida, James brought home some goodies for us. Well, this one I’m not sure about. It’s called and UGLI fruit, and it is a bit ugly. It has an off smell but is supposed to be like a tangelo. James likes it, but the rest of us have kindof dismissed it.
James came home today, a perfect day to come home. He walked through the door with 18 roses in hand - 12 red, 6 white. Roses are among my favorite. They smell so delicious. They look so stunning. And on Valentine’s Day, they are all about LOVE.
Awww Ruby. She’s had this bear as hers since we brought her home at 7 weeks old. It’s the one stuffy she’s been allowed to have and snuggle and chew on, the rest belong to the kids. She’s adored the bear, until today. The bear lost it’s head. And Ruby doesn’t even look sad about it at all, though I find the picture quite amusing!
Millie missed me. I arrived home mid-afternoon and she was near me everywhere I sat. Good thing though, I missed her too!
Boarding my early morning flight on no sleep, literally. Banquet went long and we went out with the gang for a couple hours and then back to the hotel to pack before getting in the cab at 4am. It was a hard thing to do, but the fun was worth it. The sunrise was gorgeous. I was already on the plane so I couldn’t get a better view but I think this one turned out quite well anyway. One of my faves from my trip.
This is our last night in Orlando. We had a convention banquet with good food and drinks, photo contest winners, speeches and fun. Of course the company shared was so worthwhile. This is my friend Amanda, enjoying her beverage! We had a fun time!
Today was a busy day - so much going on and not enough shooting time! We snuck out for a brief time, just before sunset, to get a few snaps. I was taking pictures of palm trees to show to my kids when I thought I should get the hotel in there too, for posterity. Really, this hotel had the best staff imaginable! Definitely a good place to stay. [Embassy Suites - Jamaica Court - off International Drive in Orlando]
Thank goodness that the food served during convention was SO GOOD. We were treated to breakfast every day and our lunches were sponsored. Tonight we had only a very short break between classes and needed to eat fast. So where other than The World’s Most Unique McDonald’s to get fast food! Only a short walk from our hotel, we made it there quickly but found ordering to not be so quick. The REAL McDonald’s menu was short, good thing I have my favorite items memorized! But there was a full menu full of wraps and panini and pizza! AT MCDONALDS!! It was crazy. And why is it so large? It has two floors full of arcade games and Playplace fun for the kids! It really was neat.
We were given an extended break during our afternoon class to watch the Space Shuttle launch. Our hotel room faced east, where the launch was taking place. Being on the 7th floor we knew that we’d have a clear view over the trees. Most went to view from the front of the hotel and I now hear that they didn’t get a good peek since it was quite cloudy. Fortunately, we were also able to turn on our TV so we knew exactly when it launched and when to look. While the image isn’t great quality, it is something that I know I may not likely see again in my life. Definitely very cool!
After getting just one hour of sleep, I boarded a plane at 5am bound for Minneapolis then Orlando for a photography convention. It was so cold when I left Fargo. But as we broke through the high clouds on our descent into Orlando, I could feel the warmth on the window. It was instantly summer!
To keep the boys busy while I packed for Orlando, I let them use my computer and James’ computer and they played a fair amount of Webkinz. They were very into what they were doing, and obviously concentrating quite hard. So cute!
And today is my birthday. I celebrated by shopping. I went to The Buckle – you know the store where they attack you when you walk in the door and try and sell you everything like you just won the lottery. The guy asked me what I wanted or didn’t want but didn’t ask my size. He told me to trust him, he was a professional. And dangit, he nailed it! He brought me about 8 pairs and they all fit but 2 fit the best and I chose one. I have never in my life paid $70 for a pair of jeans. But they do fit oh so nice.
The box that my laptop came in has been sitting on the floor for the past few days. Thomas thinks this is his new home! All the other cats walk by and he defends his territory. It’s quite hilarious! Hazel was looking mean but she played with him for a little while.
James is home this week. Today I shopped him out, ane he fell asleep on the couch. I love having him here.
It’s not for a few more days but my present, my new laptop, arrived today! I just love it! It’s taking some time to get everything transferred over and set up. Trying to remember passwords and settings and preferences for everything is tedious. But it’s gorgeous!