Remember the first time your child started preschool.  Or your baby starting preschool.  Well today my youngest daughter went to her new school to meet the teacher.  The first thing that caught my daughter's eyes was the large gate.  She was so impressed by the large iron gate that she wanted to play with all of the toys behind it.  So we are off to meet the teacher.  My daughter and I.

It is that time of year again.  Yes, the time when the school buses runs, the bell rings, and football is in the air.  Today is more than that for two little girls in my house.  One little one startsher first day of school, Kindergarten.  It is a big day for  her and I think she is a little scared.  Today is also a big day for my oldest  daughter.  She is going into the  second grade.  New school and new classmates this year for this little  gal.  

Before leaving for school the two oldest girls had a little  fun.  The oldest daughter got the last  laugh in.  Two sisters starting their day right! The littlest one doesn't understand why she is not going to school today.  She starts in one more week.

The time is near.  It is almost time to go.   my kindergartener is ready to go.  I first take my oldest to school while my husband takes our kindergartner and waits by the park for me.  I think we have a proud daddy here while walking our daughter to the gym to wait for her teacher.  

Another day, another year, another great year in the making.  

So I took this of my sister and I at the beach last spring break using the timer. twins I think any picture of us would be "seeing double" huh? =)

I recentely took a trip to China and of course, took my camera with mescenery . We visited a small elementary School where we were greeted by a miniature marching band.drumer We also went to a very rural village out in the mountains to play with the orphanskids kids2 kids3 kids4. Of course, being in China, we went to Tienamen Square to see the marching soldiers.march army. It was a one of a kind experience to say the least!

cooling off

 away from it   all

Now that I've introduced myself, I should introduce you to my favorite subjects - my boys Grant, 7, and Griffin, 3.  They're a little bit goofy, a little bit crazy, a little bit silly, and a whole lot loveable.  These were taken on Easter out in my garden, which is another favorite subject of mine.

Today was the first day that my daughter's team was able to play a game this season because of the enormous amounts of rain.  Here are some pics from todays event
Havin Fun
Yeah, team!
Run!
Ok, now hit it right here
Nature's confetti
Last minute coaching
Get this ball
Deep Baseball Thoughts
But, Dad...
Do the Baseball Strut
Last minute coaching II
Aw, shucks
Way to go, teams!
Let's Party

Since I don't know most of these people, yet, I'm calling them strangers...

I took this set of photos at a road racing course on a nice sunny day. I took 125 shots, here are eleven with strangers.  kids playing #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11

So I tried using some effects for the first time.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

drummer boy

 kissing cousins

moon time

 

Yesterday was the day for my twin granddaughters to visit.  We had fun doing various things, but Oma had fun taking pictures.  I want to put together some pictures to print for Mother's Day for my daughter-in-law.  These are just a few:
Courtney A
Courtney B
Courtney C

Lauren A
Lauren B
Lauren C

This is just a bonus shot:
Rose Plus

Last summer I brought two bikes for my daughter Ashley and I. She's older now so we don't get a lot of time to spend together. We go biking throught the pathway into the park . Ashley likes to see all the  Canada geese . The pathway also runs along the Ottawa River. Someone has created many  Rock formations . As you can see my daughter loves posing. Here's one more I'm looking forward to going out soon every Sunday Morning for our bike ride.

Went to IL to see the grandkids this weekend

Cidney 2 3

Laney 1 2

Hope y'all enjoy!

BRAIN FREEZE!!!!

CAN'T STOP!!!

TOO GOOD!!!

Wrong Way
Almost There
All Biz

On my drive through Napa Valley, I came upon many fascinating animals, reflections, and views.  Here are my favorites...

Cat by side of road
How many sheep do you see?
reflection in rearview mirror
Napa vines
Rearview reflection of kids
Serious Sheep Stare
Sheep and weeds
Sheep and weeds II
Vines and fence
Vineyards and flowers
Vineyard Hills
Windmill and Cows

Today's the day I get to try out my first "real" bike.  I'm very nervous, so I tag with Dad first.  He tries to give me a KISS for good luck.  Then it's my turn.  It's hard at first trying to figure out  HOW these pedal things work.  Very quickly, though, I can fly SOLO.  And as is the learning process, I did take a  SPILL and skin my knee.  But Daddy's awesome.  He picked me up and brushed me off... and he and I are  PALS.

here's a closer up one of her for ya'll sweet face

I know these probaly are not very good quality but I though I'd try my hand at photography and see what ya'll think this is my baby cousin. sweet cute still cute

We took our boys out to a park on the banks of the Potomac River by the airport to enjoy the fantastic weather.  They managed to get filthy in the process (of course!).  They ran, they wrestled, they kicked the ball, and they played with sticks.  In other words, they had a great time.  We on the other hand, are exhausted!  So take a peek and please let me know what you think about the photos.  I've tried to keep composition in mind this time.

takin' a break

playing with sticks

planes by the Capitol

sailing away.....

Bubble Girl 1
Bubble Girl II
Bubble Girl III
Bubble Girl IV
Can I get the bubbles with the frisbee?
Hand stand
Jumping for Joy
Nicholas I
Nicholas II

I love catching my daughter in action (or still). Here she became totally deep in thought at the beach. Another moment she was having a laughing fit. At the San Diego Zoo she found the water play invigorating, and at home she adores her best bud.