Nikkor 35mm 1:1.8G lens

I got a new lens.  Here's today's attempt.  My next goal? I'm going to figure out manual light metering.  Not sure why pics taken seconds apart can look so different, but I think it has something to do with the way my camera is metering.  Yah, definitely metering.  Nothing whatsoever to do with my incompetence, ahem.. I mean ability.  

My city kids have farm girl roots.  Can you tell?

Old Friends

I had the opportunity to meet up with old friends this weekend for some much needed "girl time."  Brent went solo with the monkeys and I got to stay up late laughing till my sides ached with eight incredible, tender, and beautiful friends.  Women who understand what being a woman is all about.  They are mothers, wives, comedians, teachers, and glorious, glorious friends.  It just doesn't get any better than that!

In Defense of Three

As naughty as three can be...it can also be so very, very lovely!

Three

The "terrible two's" have this bad reputation.  I've never really understood that.  Two is delightful!  It's pudgy fingers and round little bellies.  Silly words and sloppy kisses.  I absolutely adore two!  It's the three's that send me running through the streets raving like a lunatic.  They turn my hair grey and raise my blood pressure.  They teach me patience.  The kind I probably need but don't remember ever asking for.  Sometime after their third birthday they wake up looking like this.

And it doesn't seem to go away until shortly after four.

lunchtime kidnapping

We packed a picnic today and met Brent for lunch.  Truth is, I was feeling sorry for the poor guy.  He's working today because he took Friday off to take us camping.  In the dirt.  So today we're relaxing and he's not.  Besides, it's no fun having a day off if I can't spend at least part of it with him.  Hence the lunchtime kidnapping.  Again, you see my selfish motivation?  

Chillin' on a Sunday afternoon

I love Sunday.  It's the one day I know Brent won't go into work.  The monkeys and I get him all to ourselves.  I'm selfish like that you know.  Anyway, I hope your Sunday was a peaceful one.

Camping at the beach

Let's just pretend I didn't skip a day, ok?  My excuse is legit.  We've been camping.  My children have been playing in the dirt, sleeping in the dirt, and eating the dirt.  I'm pretty sure Tyler consumed something akin to his body weight of sandy, earthy, and apparently tasty, dirt.   The only reason I submit to this primitive torture?  See that grin down there?  The little guy has sunburned cheeks, a dirt ring around his mouth, and grime in every nook and cranny imaginable.  And he is loving every minute of it!  

It's 9am and Lauren is out!  That should give you a clue as to how hard they played.  Work hard, play hard, and apparently sleep hard too right?