Mark

Mark.bwMark and I had a “date” while the other kids had Science Sleuths at Oxbow today.  Megan was with us being “princess” but she had to follow us around and do what Mark wanted to do.  Mark is the prince, and princesses follow their princes around :).  She did a good job most of the time.

Mark discovered a new path. He wanted to go by the water, and he found some steps that I have never been down.  We found some neat places to explore and Mark found what we think are snow fleas.  He also found the bones of a buck in the water!  Very neat, but sort of gross too.

While he played, I took pictures of him and Megan. I have more nice ones of him, but I think this is my favorite.

Sledding

Adrian enhancedThe weather has been very mild this year, so even though the snow is not very deep, we thought we would try sledding.  The hills were hardly used with very little soft snow so the kids had  trouble getting their sleds to go very fast. Megan learned very quickly to make the ride “scarier” by screaming the whole way down. Everyone enjoyed getting outside, though it was a “tame” day at the sledding hills.  Megan and AudreySledding

Crystal Bubble

Crystal Bubble

This morning, the kids went next door to help the neighbor shovel her driveway.  Megan wanted to go too, so she started that way without me.

This afternoon, we were being silly and playing with bubbles in the house.  We discovered that some of them would bounce on the carpet before popping.  I am not sure how long we played with the bubbles, but it was a lot of fun.

Bubble

Broken Bubble

Playing catchThe weather was perfect for blowing bubbles last night and this morning!  If you blow bubbles in freezing weather, they will freeze.  The closer the temperature is to zero, the better the ice bubbles are.

You can watch frost form on the solution on the bubble wand. Gently blow on the wand to warm the solution before blowing a bubble.  If a breeze catches the bubble just right, the ice bubble will float becoming more opaque just before it shatters.

School Today (Inauguration 2013)

Swearing inEven though a lot of children had a long weekend, we chose to have school today. We worked on our math and did some reading.

Then, for history, we watched President Obama’s taking the Oath of Office. It was interesting listening to the kids as they discussed what was happening.  They have been paying attention in history!  We asked Megan to point out who President Obama was when she saw him. She did a good job.  If asked who our President is, she replies “Omama”.

To reward their hard work on a holiday, we will take a “snow day” one day and go sledding.

Practice

Smiling
Fill the Frame

I spent a good part of last week reading some of the library books I have on photography. I have been getting some good ideas and many pointers.

This weekend, I tried some of the ideas. Megan was a great sport and let me take a lot of pictures of her while she was busy doing whatever. I tried hard not to “pose” her but attempted to get candid shots.

Under each picture, is the concept that I was trying.

Enjoying
Use natural light
Wide Eyed
Tell a story
Silly
Interact with them (Other than, “Say Cheese”)
Eyelashes
Move, try a different angle.

French Braids

French BraidsMegan’s hair is long enough to French braid!  On Monday, Andrea asked if I could do her hair. Then Megan wanted me to do her hair in the same way.  Surprisingly, it held the French braid, but not for long.

She loves to be like her big sisters, so they all have their hair in braids today. To make sure that Megan’s super fine hair holds, I did hair spray it some.  I wonder how long an active two year old’s hair will stay looking nice?

Girls

Skipping School

Reclining

Yesterday, I skipped school! I told the kids and Allan what needed to get done, and I left the house.  I spend the next few hours enjoying a different morning.

Jared and RachealOur pastor and his wife areexcitedly waiting to meet their first grandchild. Kay likes some of the pictures I have taken and asked if I would take some pictures of their daughter in law, Rachael. I went to their house yesterday and learned some new things.

Rachael SittingRachael had seen a picture that she really wanted, so we took a lot of that pose. I wanted to get it just right. Kay helped a lot by noticing things I did not see.  I still struggle seeing details through the camera. But those little things do make a big difference.

I enjoyed my morning out.  I was able to play with my camera and practice what I have been learning.  Reading is good, but doing is so much better Laughingwhen you are trying to improve. I had fun being able to try something totally new.  Plus, it was a short break from my daily routine, so I had a mini holiday 🙂

Sitting