Powdered Donuts and Photography Lessons

I am reading The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby and am learning quite a few techniques. One thing I have always wanted to know how to do is make the background blurry, but the person in focus. I have read all about aperture, but didn't understand it well and what I did understand, I just don't remember. Well, in this book, he tells you how to set you camera to do it. No definitions. No explanations. No technical terms that only photographers understand. Just "do this.." I like that. Anyway, I was experimenting with my camera while my kids were eating donuts and I thought a few of them turned out okay. (and I just think my kids are so stinking cute and want to post pictures of them as much as I can!)

This is Connor's new look. He loves to raise his eyebrows at you if you talk to him.

That backgrounds blurry right? I will have to try it outside. Oh, and I will have to do my daughter's hair next time I guess.
Now, I haven't learned much about lighting yet. To be continued...

Swimming Lessons

Finally! Sydney loved taking swimming lessons at the YMCA in Milwaukee and she was getting so good. It has taken me a while to get her back in them, but she absolutely loves them. I am not a very good swimmer, so my goal is that she will learn enough to be able to save herself. Then I can learn to relax at the pool.
Connor, on the other hand, isn't as happy about it. He is still too young to take swimming lessons at this pool, so he gets to sit and watch. The first day we were there, he asked, "mom, I swimming lessons?" in a cute, pouty tone of voice. It made me sad and want to break the rules for him. He was good though and sat patiently (for a 2 year old boy) while we waited for Sydney to finish.

No recognition

This is me my senior year of high school (with a really good camera)
This is me now
Okay, so I cut and colored my hair and gained a few pounds (okay a more than few, but those 2 kids were worth it), but do I really look that different? Over the past couple years I have run into a few friends from high school and they don't recognize me. At all. Not even a little bit. Now I'm not talking acquaintances, I mean people that I actually hung out with after school and knew since 9th grade. They have all changed too, but I recognize them. I guess I am a little self conscious now. I just don't feel like I have changed all that much. Hopefully someone will recognize me at my 10 year reunion this summer. Has this happened to anyone else?

Budding Photographer

Last week we were able to go to the Living Planet Aquarium and Sydney brought her camera that she got at Christmas. Here are only a few of her masterpieces (and I do mean a few because I think she took a picture of every inch of that place!) Her camera isn't the best, so I may have to translate for you.

That would be a sting ray

That would be a shark

That is a really cool looking starfish with killer red spikes

Lucky shot of a creepy eel

Bruce (think Finding Nemo)

and finally, the dreaded Connor fish

Here were a few I took that I just really liked. I couldn't tell if this first one actually had a yellow eye or if it was for protection. I couldn't find the name of this creature, so I couldn't look it up. But kind of creepy right?

Gotta love the Jellies

They loved petting the sting ray, which I was happy to see Sydney got over her fear. When she was about 18 months old, we went to the aquarium at the Mall of America to pet the sting rays. Sydney scared one of them and it splashed her, really good. She was soaked and scared. I haven't been able to get her to pet one since. Here's to overcoming our fears! (I just won't tell her about my hero, the Crocodile Hunter)

Our Great Country

Even though I didn't vote for President Obama, and at times I get a little nervous about his policies, I couldn't help but be proud of your nation today. It is just wonderful that we have a black president and the we could've had a women president. Our county has come a long way! I really enjoyed watching President Obama's inauguration today. He is a wonderful speaker and I believe that he is a good man. I believe he will do what he believes is right for this country and I just hope that he can help this country. He looked a little tired today and I can't help but feel a little sympathy for him and all the challenges that face him at the beginning of his presidency. I was also impressed by the ease of the transition. We really live in a wonderful country that was set up so well by wonderful men that were no doubt led by God. I was filled with pride and thanksgiving for our country and the many people who have and are and who will continue to fight for my freedom. I know we still have a lot of challenges ahead of us, but I hope that Obama can help bring us together to work for our country.

Winter Fun

If you have not had the opportunity to play Rock Band or Guitar Hero, you simply should. It is quite fun and the whole family can be involved!



We also copied a little science project from one of our good friends back in Milwaukee and the kids absolutely loved it! Click here to see to instructions.
Also, on a very happy note, we were able to buy some couches for a very good price. We are very excited about this, because we have never had our own couches, they have always been old (okay, very old) hand-me-downs. They are microfiber and quite comfy.

BFFs

Sydney and Connor were walking around the house holding hands yesterday while I was making lunch. They came into the kitchen and this is what Sydney said:

"Mom, Connor and I are best friends forever. We always hold hands. But not when we eat."

Hopefully she will always feel that way!