Well all…things will be quiet around here for about a week. The family and I are headed to Colorado for a week. My in-laws are coming along and are bringing me my big boys (I have missed them sooooooooooo much). Jason and I rented a cabin and can’t wait to relax and hike and enjoy some mild weather. I, personally, can’t wait to get snap happy with all the gorgeous scenery. Wish us luck on the loooooooong car ride with the little ones.

Have a great week all. I will have tons of pictures when we get back.

My first attempt at a nature type photo!

When I got my SLR camera back in February I made a promise to myself that I would NOT spend that much money on a camera to leave in on Auto all the time. Seriously, there is not point in shelling out that kind of money on a camera and not learning how to use it. So, I took it slow. I read A LOT. I have learned about framing your shot and exposure and so much more.  I eventually ventured off of the auto mode and the presets and went into Program mode. It allowed me to learn a little bit about the camera while still letting the camera choose some of the settings. I am now, boldly learning the manual mode. Where I have to define everything…what f-stop, what ISO, what white balance setting, what metering mode….everything. I am excited to say I have about a 10% idea of what I am doing. My goal is to be shooting all manual by October. That is of course if my kids let me sit down and figure out all the buttons and menus. Not to mention figuring out what a picture shot at f2.8 with a ISO of 400 looks like on a cloudy day. I will get back to you…..

My husband is getting as bad as me (he has my old camera…hehe):

I think I have taken a few too many pictures of this kid…..

So, this is a sweet picture of Jason trying to calm down his baby boy.

The back story…

Evan is crying because his Daddy shot him in the face with a water gun….yea.

Happy Independence Day!!!!

Want to know what happens when you run through the patio area while not paying attention?

You run into Daddy’s smoker with your EYE!

Good thing he is a tough guy.

He is, after all, Spiderman.

Today is my parents anniversary.  They have been married 30 years!!!  These days that is a MAJOR thing.  Everyone knows that I think my parents are quite possible the bestest parents EVER.  They have always loved and supported me and my brother no matter what.  All the times we have fallen on our faces they have been there to help us get back up.  Most importantly they have been there to teach us how to do it ourselves.  So much of the good things about me are a direct result of my parents.  They are loving, HILARIOUS, amazing people.

Congratulations Daddy and Mom.  You guys amaze me still!

Do you see this face?  This is the face of a woman on the phone venting to her friend because it is not even 11:00 am and her day is not going so hot.

~I had to leave bible study an hour early because Evan is having such bad separation anxiety that he will not let me out of his sight for even a minute.  He cried for 45 minutes and the poor ladies at the church couldn’t do anything with him.

~Add to the situation that the poor child hasn’t pooped in a week (doctor has been called).

~Chase is acting a lot like a two year old today.  He is two you say?  Yes, I know, but tantrums are not good when Mommy already wants to run away.

It can only get better from here, right?  RIGHT???????

Chase is really beginning to miss his older brothers. He is getting even more wild than normal without them here to run some of his energy off.

However, as long as he is outside and playing with water he is HAPPY!