More beachness.

I'm still sorting through pictures from our beach trip.  I didn't realize how many images I took - yeesh - was I trigger happy or what?  Anyway, it's been fun to reflect on the week.  I realize now that this was the first year that I actually found myself thinking, 'Wow.  This is really great!" while I was on vacation.  Not that trips in the past have been unenjoyable...but let's be honest here.  Vacationing with small children?  Seriously?  What kind of torture is that??  What were we thinking?  Juggling naptimes, managing long car/plane rides, diaper changes, food related issues, sleeping arrangements...in retrospect, it all seems like such work.  But this year was so different.  My kids are now 4 and 7 and can do so much more on their own.  They enjoy playing with their cousins and can do so {for the most part} with little refereeing needed, they'll eat normal stuff, go to bed without a fight...the list goes on and on.  I'm not generally the type of mom who gushes about parenting, but I have to say:  This is just a glorious, glorious time in the journey for me.  Now, ask me how I like things when I have two teenaged boys and I might push you into heavy traffic.  For now?  Heaven.          

Here are more beach pictures.  

   

Old as new.

My newest photography addiction is 1970's style coloring.  I seriously can't get enough of it.  We have albums and albums of pictures from that decade and I just love going through them.  Aside from the weird plaid pants and bowl haircuts, I have really fond memories of that time. 

~

Below are some images {processed with 70's coloring, of course} that I recently took of a Cincinnati, Ohio family.  I would like to personally nominate this foursome for the Troopers of the Year Award.  Imagine driving 6 hours with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old + no dinner and trying to get pictures taken.  At bedtime.  {fellow parents are cringing everywhere}.  Well, I'm happy to say that they did great.   And I love, love, love the 70's style coloring on these.   B: it was wonderful seeing you and meeting your incredible family.  Hope you enjoyed your stay in the area!       

  

stone harbor, nj

{Sigh}.  We are back from a wonderful week at the beach.  This year, seventeen of us ventured to Stone Harbor, NJ to spend some much needed time in lounge mode.  And boy, did we lounge.  Above are some images taken one morning with sister B.  She happened to be outside the house enjoying a quiet cup of coffee when I headed off to the beach with my camera.  It didn't take much coaxing to get her to come along.  I'm so glad she did. 

Love my sister.  Love soft sand.  Love coffee.  Love my camera.  Love these pictures. 

More to come soon...

H & kids.

I recently had the pleasure of spending a little time with a childhood friend and her three kids.  I always get a kick out of seeing my friends as parents.  And what a good parent H. is.  Her kids just love her and it's a joy to watch them interact.  Here are a few images from our evening that I keep finding myself looking at.   

  

Above was the game "Stick your finger in your brother or sister's eye"

Never {ever} underestimate the power of silly to get kids to giggle. 

This child has the most beautiful eyes.  Just like her mama.

H's bracelet is engraved with "A daughter is a little gift..."  I didn't even notice it until I opened the picture.  

If every family I worked with was like this, I'd be black & blue from pinching myself.