I've been slacking!

On my blog and photos...but not my family and our move. We have landed in our new home! After a bit of drama with renting our moving truck, we finally got it loaded and eventually unloaded this past weekend. The process of putting things away is taking a lot longer than I anticipated. So, if you haven't heard from me, it's not because I'm just sitting on my rump doing nothing...I truly have been swamped. Rest assured, if you're waiting to hear from me, I will be in touch very soon!!!

Field Trip

Here are some photos I snagged while out with Ayden on his field trip to Living History Farms a week ago. I could go back...there are so many photo ops!

Here is the class...

I received my storyboard of Ayla today. It's so cute! I also placed my order for updated business cards...finally!

Busy week!

With doctor's appointments, early school dismissals, and getting closer to moving time, things are feeling a bit busy around here. This afternoon was relaxing, though. Ayden & Ayv spent some time over with Aaron while Ayla had some alone time with me. We sorted bears, played outside, colored, made a (belated) birthday cake for Levi, and cuddled a bit. I wish more afternoons could be like this!

Ayla let me take pictures of her this afternoon, too!!! Here's a storyboard I am planning to print for myself. I haven't gotten around to printing a 1-year portrait, but I think this one for 19-months (which is today) is great. I just love her crazy expressions.
This is my favorite from the board, I think...

I think the storyboard will hang in her new bedroom. It'd be neat to have one above each girl's bed. Or maybe I'll hang it in the living room because I think it's too cute.

My Mother's Day

We worked hard at the house yesterday so we could make it back to celebrate my Mom's birthday and Mother's Day. All three kids made something for me at school, which is always fun. We went out for brunch this morning, came home to nap and then went to Costco and Target. While outside, I requested a pic and Ayla gladly plopped down under the tree. The other two settled in just in time to snap a few before Ayla lost interest. She jumped up and in her 19-month old manner, demanded I show her the back of the camera. It's funny to me how it's normal for the kids to have instant gratification from digital - not something I remember growing up unless we pulled out the Polaroid. Since she was satisfied when I showed her the images, she was done. Here is what I captured...

Tomorrow I'm hoping for some great photo ops. Ayden's class is going to Living History Farms for a field trip and I get to chaperone. Last year we went with the family when a Canon rep was there, so I checked out great lenses. I don't have that option tomorrow, and my zoom lens is being repaired...so I'll have to stick to my 50mm 1.8. It's my go-to lens, anyway.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy May Day!

It was an overcast day today, but it was still beautiful. The flowers are blooming and the trees are budding. Ayvarie & I spent some time outdoors taking pics today.

Ayla joined us later......only with this messy face!Hope you had a Happy May Day!

Glamorous!

Ayla was pretending to be glamorous tonight. She pulled out the jewels and shades to put on a bit of a show. She's following in big sis's footsteps with all of the femininity.

Birthday Recap

Decorations handmade by little sis, dinner with family, presents, "Happy Birthday" sung by great friends over the phone, and cake! What better way for a 9-year-old to spend a Tuesday evening. Ay's wish for tomorrow is to load his iPod Shuffle with tunes. That's a wish that will likely come true.

100th post on a beautiful day!

Finally we're heading into good Spring weather. I am soooo ready for it! It was a busy day with work, Ayla's 18-month check-up (with shots), and some playtime at the park. I did get the chance to work on photos tonight, too!

You can tell who took up the lens again today.

Oh my...look at the time! Happy Birthday, Ayden!!! I'm up way too late, so it looks like I encroached upon your birthday!

My birthday boy and his sisters...

Ayden's birthday is Tuesday. Although he has made no official plans for a party with friends (we're working on it), he's excited about receiving gifts from us. Ayv bought a gift for him tonight with her own money. She was so proud and so was I, so I gave her extra points for being so thoughtful and not selfish enough to spend it on herself. I hope that continues and that Ayden chooses to do the same this fall for his sister.

Since I don't have pictures from that act of kindness, I'll share some I snapped this weekend.
Some of Ayden's random artwork. I love this piece made from glue and beans.Ayla last week after a day of the stomach flu...

A new week.

It has been a nice week. I am enjoying working 4 hours a day (well, really 3 hours, 50 minutes). Today I got to do more hands-on of what I will ultimately be doing daily. The kids have started at their new school and really like it. Ayden has made some instant friends from the sound of it, which I predicted he would. Ayvarie loves preschool and Ayla is starting to warm up to those in the daycare. We've been able to run some errands in the afternoons and today the girls and I went for a walk to my sister's house. They thought it was fun and it's just great to be so close again! Depending on the weather tomorrow, we might try the park for a bit when we get home. Here is a pic of Ayv helping Aaron while he assembles his new shed.

Here are the first flowers in my parents' yard this Spring.I don't know how many of you have tried this, but I had fun with it. Didn't realize I could type so fast. I remember years ago thinking that 40 wpm was amazing! Here's what my score was...

67 words

Speed test

Ayden's last day at M.S. Elementary

Mrs. W and the rest of the third grade class threw a little going away party for Ayden yesterday. He recieved many handmade cards, balloons, a book, and Cuddles, one of the class teddy bears. It was a rough day for me. His teacher is wonderful and we will both miss her.

Thursday was my last day working for the County. It was bittersweet. To be closer to my family will be wonderful, but I will miss the friends I made and the job I held. It was so rewarding! I was presented with various cards. My office gave me a mini decorated teapot (to add to my collection of teapots) and this cake. I couldn't hold back the tears...

Tomorrow we're heading out and on to new adventures. I start at ISU on Monday and the kids are planning to make new friends at their new school. It will be nice having the whole family together again.

Bonehead

Ayla was digging out all sorts of accessories at G'ma & G'pa's this weekend. The kids loved when Levi would wear this; they could call him a "bonehead" without getting into trouble.

Ayla's First Campus Visit

Many of you know and some of you may not yet know, but I have accepted a job with Iowa State University in the Office of Research Assurances. I start there on March 31st, which is approaching quickly. NOTE: This is a part-time job, so I can still focus on my family and establish my photography in the area. Since we were "home" today, I took Levi & Ayla up to see where my office is. Ayden & Ayv didn't have interest in going today even though they were excited about it yesterday. They stayed with G'ma & G'pa while we were out.

Ayla really enjoyed the many sidewalks and just running around outside. It was a gorgeous morning and she made a precious model! I am excited to get the entire family up for a campus photo shoot as there are so many wonderful photographic opportunities there.

I can't believe she's already 17 months old!