Fire in the sky.

On our way home tonight from a photo session, Ayv and I came upon these beauties.

[blue fire in the sky]
[branches of fire]
[green explosion]
I hope the weather holds out so I can shoot more fireworks tomorrow night.

My Outlet.

When I took up interest in photography (years ago), it was my outlet. My creative outlet. Visual. Tactile. Personal. It remains my outlet.

It was a wonderful pleasure to meet up with my friend, Christy, and pull out the camera earlier this week. We walked around her farm, although not far from the house. This time of year presents itself with an enormous mosquito population. Probably nothing like those birds I hear about up North, but they still don't treat me favorably. Anyway, I was able to get a few of my new favorite shots while out for that short time.

[Summer Lace]

[Bellflower]

I have had a couple of sessions this week (so far) and spotted this along the way. [Scout]
It has been a rewarding week with my photography - personally and professionally.

Barn Dance: 2010

Memorial Day weekend was our annual attempt to make it to the Adams Family Barn Dance in Lamont to visit my aunts, uncles, and cousins...some who happen to be members of the Adams Family. This year's attempt was a success (on the way there, anyway - there's no need to discuss the big deer in Buchanan County **you can thank us, Buchanan County residents** that added nearly $4,000 to our insurance claim).

We got the chance to meet the newest member of our family on this visit, my cousin's daughter. She really wasn't sad because we showed up. I promise. But, her little pout is just too cute!

During the dance, I was able to get her with her daddy. I think this is a precious shot.

I took a LOT of pictures, but haven't had a chance to go through them all, yet. I did pull a couple of my little model, though.

I'm pretty sure she could pass for a cowgirl.

Looking forward to the barn dance in 2011!

The Easter Pox.

This past weekend we spent time with my family for Easter. We made some monkey bread for breakfast, the kids enjoyed their Easter egg hunt, we had some great food for lunch, Ayla and G'ma made a cake, and Ayden got to practice his archery. I had hoped for a bit warmer weather, but it really was a nice day!



The dogs were more interested in the dead snake than looking for eggs.

The kids had fun collecting their loot.




We had to get some annual pictures with the tree in the deck.


Ayv modeling her chocolate...
...and eating her chocolate.
The cake that G'ma and Ayla made.
Ayla with her musical card...she LOVES musical cards. Her favorite one plays, "Who Let the Dogs Out".

Ayden was able to get out and practice his skills. I loved his facial expressions when the arrow was released.
This is my favorite image from the day.
And this is all that Ayden shot (besides the target).

The kids didn't have school on Monday as part of their Easter break. That's when Ayvarie complained of itching and bumps appearing on her arms...
...then her legs...

...and then her back.
Seriously I didn't know if it was chicken pox or hives as the bumps mainly covered her arms and legs and they didn't itch as much as I imagined they would. She didn't have many on her torso until yesterday. But, the doctor confirmed it's the pox (of the poultry variety). So, Benadryl, colloidal oatmeal, and calamine spray have become our friends. We're really hoping they clear up soon. As it looks now, Ayvarie will miss her pre-state trampoline & tumbling meet this weekend. That is not something she is very happy about...let alone the fact that she is all itchy.

If you haven't had them and you want them, feel free to stop by!

Still my little girl.

The other day, Ayv chose to spend her "points" earnings on a new dress. It was definitely a choice I approved of. She looked up at me with her sweet eyes.

Then she sat up in a way that reminds me that she is still a little girl...innocent, unmarked, and beautiful in many ways. There are many days that I expect more from her than she gives, but I realize I shouldn't. She gives the right amount of everything that a seven-year-old should. And every day I'm proud to be her mom.

And another girl I'm proud of...Ayla.

This is Ayla's "ghost". It's not the first time she's spoke of one, but it's the first time I've seen her draw one. Boo!

Happy New Year!

This last year contained quite a whirlwind of activity for our family. I kept very busy with photography and keeping up with the kids. Ayvarie started competing in gymnastics, played soccer in the spring, and tee ball in the summer. She's currently preparing for her first meet this year, which is in a few weeks. Ayden played baseball and started participating in 4-H shooting sports late in the fall. He's excited to start shooting with his compound bow that Santa gave him. Ayla...well, she just kept busy in general and turned three. She proves her age to us nearly every day!

Due to budget cuts at Iowa State, our office closed between Christmas and New Year's, so I took my required unpaid leave, along with the rest of my co-workers. I also put my photography business on hold during that time because I wanted to spend it with my family and I don't really get a break any other time of the year. It was the best time off I have had in quite a while!

Although the weather was less than desirable, it forced us to stay home more, which was beneficial to our new family member.

Meet Rudy, our double dapple miniature dachshund. He joined us on Christmas Eve, which made for "The Best Christmas Ever" according to the kids. They love him dearly.

He has definitely made himself at home.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the new year (minus the temperatures).

The Polar Express

I vowed that from Thanksgiving to Christmas this year, I'd make more time for fun with the kids. Last year's holidays just got away from us. So, to start off our holiday fun this year, we took a ride on the Polar Express. The kids were really excited for it!

My sister and Alan joined us (although in the next car).

Ayla enjoyed gazing out the window and relaying what she saw. This was one day where she talked a lot without a lot of sass. We had fun trying to watch for Santa and the North Pole.

The Polar Express provided complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Obviously this little guy (our friends' nephew) enjoyed it!

Here is my small attempt at getting a picture of the kids together. It doesn't seem to happen much anymore. I know the fact that they were wearing jammies didn't thrill Ayden, but he still had a good time and let me snap a few shots. This was one day that it was perfectly acceptable to lounge around in jams all day. It was actually encouraged!

Next on the list of fun is attending the Wizard of Oz production with Ayvarie and her girlfriends. I might be looking forward to it more than the girls.