Laundry Series

I got a gorillapod recently, and I've had projects brewing in my head on how to use it.  One was this attempt at a fun family portrait.  Mostly, it was a learning experience.  There are a zillion things I wish I could change, but for now, for having a 2.5 year old and 10 month old as half of the subjects, they are good enough.  And not to worry -- the rest of the projects brewing in my head will learn from today's mistakes.  :)

Burrito Brothers

I LOVE my little burrito brothers!  Everett asked us to cover him and Paxton with the blanket we had brought outside to have a cake picnic on.  Yes, you read that right.  We had cake on a backyard picnic.  Understandably, he keeps asking to have a picnic.  Haha!  I digress -- They were more than thrilled to be wrapped up together as Eric and I looked on smiling and in awe of their adorable relationship.

Toddler Trickster

Here is how I get duped by a two and a half year old.  Again and again...

Ev: "Mama, ABC Cookies!"
Me: "ABC cookies?"
Ev:  "Yea!"
Me: "What are ABC Cookies?"
Ev: "ABC COOKIES!"
Me [looking for clarification]:  "You want ABC Cookies?" 
Ev:  "Okay!" as he marches off toward the kitchen

Desperate for Water

I swear we do not deprive him of beverages.  Everett really enjoys his water straight from the tap.  I find him like this almost daily.

Kale Chips

I'm constantly trying to get more green stuff in my little people and Eric, though I didn't even bother asking Eric to try these.  He came into the kitchen asking "why are you making broccoli cookies???" after smelling my experiment with agave nectar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon on a batch (not good - I do NOT recommend trying that). Salt, however, was good.

Heat the oven to 350.  Spray the pan with cooking spray.  Spread out kale torn into bite size chunks.  Make sure it's clean and dry (so you don't end up steaming it).  Sprinkle with garlic powder and salt, and remember a little goes a long way because they shrink up.  Cook for about 10 - 15 minutes.  Shake the pan or give one a poke to see when they are crispy.  Easy.  Tasty.  Goodness.

I found it funny how as they crumbled with the bites, they left little green flecks all over Everett's and Paxton's mouths.

Holding his plate up so Pax won't eat his kale chips.

"What's that?!  You say these are vegetables?!"

Hands: Photography Project #1

While I simply adore taking photos, I have a whole lot of learning to do.  Luckily there is a plethora of knowledge out there ready for the taking.  I decided to first make a few projects for myself to keep it interesting and enhance my learning experience.  Today I got my email from Digital Photography School - the one I usually just delete because I'm too busy - and decided to take their challenge of the week -- hands.  Perfect!  I have some of the cutest hands around residing in my house. 

While some ended up without the subject being the hands, it did produce some that I love with more interest than my usual.  If any of you photog types have constructive tips on shooting or editing, I'd love to hear them. 

I love this, but it was so hard to capture as I was using Live View and a mirror.  And that is why my sternocleidomastoid (neck muscle) is tense.

Contagious Laughter!

 Last night at dinner, Everett was in a bit of a funky mood.  So Dad tickled him until he was exploding with laughter...

And that made Paxton explode with laughter too.  :)  

Are you smiling with us?

Pioneer Farms

I used to think bluebonnet photos were an inane Texas tradition.  Bored of pictures of children plopped in wildflowers, I did not have the inclination.  But I've changed my mind.  Faced with a possible out of state move, I feared this would be my LAST CHANCE to take pictures of our kids in bluebonnets!  All of a sudden, I HAD to do it!  I've had my eye on the new lens for our camera, and with wildflowers in season, I had the motivation to go buy it.  Unfortunately, we got to the field when the sun was a bit high, and the boys don't exactly take direction.  And - major rookie mistake - I arrived with a full memory card!!!  I was so mad at myself.  I had thought to check it, but, well, the story of my life these days - I got distracted.  So while I frantically deleted some, the boys ran around giving me great material.  I eventually got some shots in, and I may take them to a field early in the morning sometime when Eric can help me.  There are a few I like below, but I need a re-do before the flowers disappear.

Despite being walking distance from our house, this was the first time we explored Pioneer Farms.  We will have to return, as it is a great opportunity for Everett to see "more animals!"  It was also a jackpot place for photos.  For example, I got to put Pax in a bucket.  Heh heh!

On another note - I am learning how to take care of a 2.5 year old and a 10 month old in the summer now.  I turn into a flustered mess half the time, but as I've experienced in the past, that shall pass.  The winter didn't add a layer of challenge as we don't really need jackets, hats, mittens, etc all that often.  I imagine bundling two takes some skill to get out the door and back without losing pieces and having tantrums.  Summer now...that is our Texas challenge.  It is already reaching the low 90's.  Poor Paxton gets so incredibly hot in his helmet.  This is going to have to be the end of his extended outings until the band comes off in a month and a half.  The stroller drives them both crazy because they end up invading each others' personal space AND they're hot.  When we do reach home, it's a race to get them cooled off, clean, fed, and napping in order for me to get that precious shower in as well.  It's hot enough that you feel disgusting until you can bathe.  My other rookie mistake today was forgetting the Ergo...which may have not worked out anyway because of, again, the heat.  But having use of two hands is always appreciated.  I'd say the pictures didn't turn out half bad for holding Pax while taking the shots of Ev.

It's clear I like my subjects on the left or right third.  I need to practice more with the top and bottom third for some variety.

Move legs!  But when you get a face like that, you take it!

He looks displeased at being placed in a bucket, but he is content.  I swear.  :)

I Do My Own Stunts!

These photos crack me up.  Have I mentioned how much I love the new lens on our camera?  And that I'm addicted to taking pictures?  :)

New Lens!

Ooooh you guys!  I got a new lens for our camera, and I love it so much!  The thing that's so great about it is that it puts the focus on my subject and gives a blurry background.  Check out these awesome photos I shot of the boys.  I basically am addicted to picture taking right now.  :)

If I could freeze time, I would take this shot a few millimeters up so I'm not cutting off his eye.  But it was basically just a quick, lucky shot.  Everett doesn't sit still.  Ever.

King of the Bench

I got no teeth!  (Which is basically true.)

LOVE - for Avocado, Applesauce, Water, and Each Other

Hola muchacho!  Le encanta aguacate!

I made the boys some applesauce popsicles, which Everett brilliantly renamed "applesauce chapstick".

Love

Love Love

 We took the boys to Zilker playground for some fun, which usually leads to us taking them down to the water and getting really messy.  This was no exception.

Pax literally "hanging" out in the Ergo.

Water Lover

Pax and I had a great time the other day giggling and wiggling.