Finally, a snow day!

I'm not really sure where to start this post, so I'll start with photos.  I wrapped up my photography workshop last week, but I'm still working on applying all that I've learned.



Taylor is quite the big sister even if she's only slightly bigger ;)




She has taken to sleeping on the floor beside her bed.  It reminded of me of the bed tent I used to have as a kid. It was a red tent with elastic straps that fit over each corner of my mattress.  I remember how much I loved the way it transformed my ordinary sleeping habitat into something new, something special, something cozy.  I image that is what Taylor feels.


Even Mark cannot escape my camera.


This is becoming somewhat of a common scene around here.


So is this.


This one made me smile.  Morgan and I frequently use the hour between her mommy and me class and the time I need to pick Charlie up from preschool to go grocery shopping.  This week, after pulling into Charlie's preschool, I turned around to find her, as happy as could be, helping herself to an english muffin.


Charlie's grandparents (my dad and stepmom) bought him a new subscription to Thomas Magazine.  We made these little signs from one of the pages.  It prompted him to actually drag out his trains and track and play with them.




I bet it made Thomas very happy.


Morgan and Charlie have also been spending more time together lately.

Charlie and Mark had a Dad's night at his preschool so Taylor decided that it was the perfect opportunity to have a spa night.  Or as she calls it "spall night."




The following day was the kids' first snow day in two years.  Somehow I managed to find snowpants, boots, and gloves for everyone.


It was Morgan's first time playing in the snow.  Her face tells it all.




It was also my first time getting correct white balance in camera in the snow.


Taylor wanted to make a snowman so I left her in charge of rolling the balls.


Charlie spent much of the time pouting, although he did cheer up when I brought out a soccer ball for him to kick.


Morgan enjoyed eating the snow.


The other kids enjoyed that as well.


Alas, I have decided that I am just not good at making snowmen.  Despite my best efforts, they always end up being 2 feet tall.  Then we drive around the neighborhood and see snowmen that would dwarf ours.  Oh well, the kids never seem to mind.








We finished our playing by enjoying some hot chocolate, complete with marshmallows.






That snow day was exactly what the doctor ordered.  I had been hoping for one more big snow before spring hits.  And honestly, I felt like the kids needed to experience the joy of an unexpected day off from school.  So thanks, Mother Nature.  And let me also thank you for the 60 degree whether due this weekend!

Goodbye February

On this last day of February, I thought I'd catch up with some photos to show you what we've been up to.

Morgan's love affair with her babies continues.


Taylor's love of dressing up and playing with random objects continues. (You'll see what I mean later in the post)


This little guy got a new look.


He was in desperate need of a haircut and asked if they'd spike it for him this time.


We celebrated some February birthdays at Grandpa's house.  The kids have fun whenever the Williams clan gets together.  There's definitely no shortage of little girls for Morgan and Taylor.


And no shortage of people willing to rough house with Charlie.


I have been taking a photography workshop online this month and it has been fantastic.  I've been really focusing on getting it right in camera with regards to exposure, focus and white balance.  It makes a huge difference.


Taylor dug out her swimsuit and goggles and has been playing with them all week.




And let's not forget this little one.


She also found a new toy to play with.


We took the gets to Friches and I snapped this little beauty.  I've noticed (through my 365 project) that I really like converting images to black and white.


Seriously, how cute is this?


Morgan had a checkup at the doctor's office.  She is between the 10th and 15th precentile for height and weight which makes her official our biggest child yet.


She was so good and agreeable for the doctor.  Sister knows how to turn on the charm.




Another favorite image of mine.


She was lucky and managed to escape with no shots and one sucker.  Not a bad deal.


We made a quick stop at the store on the way home.


And we found this girl waiting for us.  She was excited to show us her clean room that Grandma helped her accomplish while we were gone.


I've been trying to use window light for my workshop and love the results.  Did I mention that I love black and white?






This one is so sweet.  Taylor was entertaining Morgan while they waited for me to get her up one morning.


Charlie began gymnastics this month just like his big sister.  Okay, not just like his big sister.  He is relegated to the jungle room, however, he loves every minute of it.




More practice on proper exposure and white balance in camera.


A very exciting acheivement for me this month was learning a technique on my camera called back button focus.  I have had great results and am now able to track focus with my very wiggly children.  I told the family about it because I was so excited and sweet little Taylor feigned enthusiasm for me.


Charlie playing ipad on the basement stairs.


Taylor's aunt found some beautiful dresses and one fits her perfectly.  I thought I uploaded the full length photo but I did not.  To see it, you can hop over to my 365 project page.


We started a new game with the Morgan in which we make animal noises and she guess the corresponding animal.  When it's her turn to think of an animal noise she always makes this face.


And then this one.


Well, that was our February.  It's funny because I used to despise and dread winter.  However, during the last two years, I've come to really enjoy it.  I love the way the pace of life seems to slow down a bit.  I've been embracing that and while it's still not my favorite season, it is now a cherished one.