School Picture Day!

Today was "picture day" for Miss M. It was a typical morning. Shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and do 30 minutes of homeschool (reading/math). And in addition to that, a mini-photo shoot with mom. Yup, I wanted to get some shots of her before I took her to school. She was all worried we'd be late when I took this photo and was not as interested in posing but she gave me a wee little smile and eye contact and so I took it! Here she is... in all her glory. For her class picture I have made a signature of her name to post on it to hand to family and friends. I've also ordered some pics from the school photographer. We'll see which one she likes the best. I hope he had better luck than I did! =_)

Oregon Visit

We've recently returned from our trip to Oregon to visit with my brother and his family. We had such a wonderful time and we had such great hosts! You guys have a lovely home and look very happy in your new home town. It was a pleasure to be in your world! We saw so many beautiful places and this is by far one of my favorite. This lake's name skips my memory at this time but I believe it was Todd Lake or Trout Lake. B, can you help me on this one?

While at this lake I was shooting some pics of the kids playing in the water. My hubby decided to entertain them by tossing little sticks and rocks and then a bigger stick and OPPPSS... he splashed himself. Here I catch him in the midst of laughing at his own mishap. =) I love to see him smile.

This shot was taken for you B. Your favorite tree which grows out of the top of an Obsidian field. Wow. Amazing huh. Even more so, the kids smiling at the same time!

Here's the lake view from the tree just over my brother's shoulder.


Uncle B was very entertaining for the kiddos. He collected a variety of stones from this park to conduct an experiment with water. He was hoping to show the kids how some pumice floats. Much to his surprise and dismay, none of his 6 samples/varieties floated! However, one did, the rock collected from a volcano in their hometown.

What beautiful weather we had! Can you tell?

One of the most interesting sites was the variety of rocks and what one can do with them. Look below to see my dear sweet hubby lifting this large rock with effortless strength! This size rock would normally require two hands and lots of back work (ouch) but this variety (Pumice) is rather light. You look so strong hun!

My family is always on the lookout for interesting subject matter for me. The gang came to find me to inform me of this little creature that was located in my brother's backyard! The Preying Mantis. What an interesting insect. He was located on a green shrub and we could hardly see him and I was a little bummed. No matter, we had fresh cut sunflowers (thanks K) and borrowed one from the arrangement and coaxed the stick-like bug onto it. He/she went happily. Delighted in the bright colors I'm sure. This flower was really orange with purple leaves! Wild huh. Well, the background is important so I had my dear sweet assistant and hubby move the flower and subject to the small lavendar bush and started firing away. Much to my surprise and delight, this insect can oscilate it's head and just as I shot this he/she turned to look and smile for the camera! Now that's timing! =)

Here he was looking at the lavendar before he looked at me. I love all the rich color and kept these photos rather dark.

...yet another. Can you tell, I was loving the color here!?


One of the evenings during our visit my sister-n-law K and her daughter/my niece (2 1/2yrs) and my son (3yrs) went out to do a mini-shoot. The light was gorgeous and time was passing quickly so we raced from location to location to beat the sun from slipping away. It was fast and furious but so much fun for me. The kids did great, considering. Here, my son enjoys the flower field and posing for me in his oh so handsome and candid way. Love it. He's a nature boy for sure. My niece cried the minute her feet hit the ground. She does not love grass or fields or anything of that nature. Darnit. But low and behold, after a short cry she started to get into it and pick the flowers.

I love the color and feel of these images. So warm and relaxing.

A&M - sneaker peaker

We just returned home from our weekend visit to Oregon. We enjoyed beautiful weather, great company and the relaxing ombiance of the wide-open countryside. Mmm mmmm.... Very nice.
Here is a sneak peak from a shoot I did during our visit. What cute kiddos, "K"! We met at one of the most beautiful parks in Portland and the kids ran around and played while I followed closely behind hoping to capture their personalities in action. They were delighted to learn of my secret weapon - a large whirly pop treat. Mm mmm .... Let me say, this was a big hit and definitely a great way to finish a shoot - fyi...they can be a sticky mess. ;-) I'm glad all of the stains came out of their clothing "K". I wanted to get a few pics to post and felt like playing with some color in black and white. Kinda fun huh. I look forward to showing you the finished collection soon. Til then... I hope this wets your appetite and keeps you happy during the wait. =)

brushin' your doggone teeth

Today I had the pleasure of visiting with a guide dog pup again. Boy has he grown! It wasn't too long ago, back in June, that I photographed this pup for the first time and posted his pics on my blog. (See my archive for those pics.) One of my dog pictures was recently published in this month's newsletter for the guide dog organization. Today, I went on a walk with this pup and his handlers (my parents!) and as we hung around and chatted this pup received his usual grooming and care. If there's one thing I'm learning about guide dogs is this, they are very pampered citizens! First he had his feet hairs trimmed and then it was teeth cleaning time. Out comes the two-sided tooth brush! Thank goodness I tote my camera everywhere and I jumped at this photo op. The pup enjoyed his grooming time and didn't seem to mind me and my big fat lens pointed at him. Thanks for the mini-shoot guys!


Here the pup sees a familiar friend - a 4-year-old neighbor boy - who happened by for a visit with his mother. Unlike the typical pup he waits here resting on the porch for his handler's next command.


Have you ever brushed your teeth on the front porch while shooting the breeze?


Attentive. Focused. Working. Ready.

Brusha, brusha, brusha.... brusha tooth i-what?! (Mom, what's that familiar tune?) =)


This is what a working dog looks like when they are itching with anticipation of their handler's next command. Eager to work. Ready to please.

Thanks for stopping by!