Broken Washing Machine

For most people a broken washing machine is a big hassle and means piles of dirty laundry that results in money out of pocket and a trip to the dreaded laundromat. It means that to me too but also an opportunity to try out a fun photo shoot location.

Taking pictures of your own kids is tough. My daughter refuses to look at me and when she does it usually means I get to see all of her tongue, her eyes squinted and her head contorted. My son just sighs when he sees me reach for my camera.

I do love this picture of my daughter. I would have loved to have her looking at me but I will take what I can get with that firecracker!

Right before I snapped this one my son said, "One picture, that is all mom." Here is that one picture.

I love that the laundromat is an unexpected place for a shoot and would love to see how this would work with kids other than my own. Thank you also to all the little old ladies that just smiled at me and my kids and even though I could see it in their eyes, never once asked what the hell I was doing.

Macro Photography

Have I mentioned I love my macro lens. We had some issues in the beginning when I was learning how she worked but now that I understand and have learned to change my composition to accommodate those limits, I love her.

By using my macro lens I have been able to explore the world with the same wonder as my four year old. The macro lens allows you to see the smallest detail and turn an everyday object into something magical.

While taking these photos my son turned to me and said, "I think we got it Mom, you can go download them and post them for me." I almost responded with, "Back in my day we had go to the darkroom..."

I swear this may have been the world's largest dandelion. The puff on this thing had to be about the size of a small orange.

Another science project/chicken treat. We bought these meal worms at the bait store and fed most to the chickens but are going to watch 3 go through metamorphosis. Anyone remember that from 3rd grade?

Who doesn't love a good dog nose?

PIGTAILS!

This was a pretty big even at our house. After bath my daughter asked me to put her hair in pigtails, and it actually worked! My daughter's hair has taken forever to grow in and has been well documented in pictures and even crochet patterns. I am not sure who was more excited, her or me.

How cute is she!

Super Fun Mountain Weekend

We spent Sunday afternoon at our friend's new mountain home. The little boys and the big boys got to ride dirt bikes and the girls went for a hike. M got new riding gear and I think if he could still be wearing it he would!

Could these little guys be any cuter?

G rode it to the top of the hill with me me on the back saying the whole time, "I think I am scared." On the way down she was helping me gun it and trying to steer. 

This is one of the amazing sculptures that my friend's husband created. If you are interested in learning more about this piece or his art shoot me an email. I love, love, love this owl.

Still in riding gear!

This is the view from their property. You can see the smoke from the recent forest fire. Colorado is so amazing. 

These are for you mom. As a general rule, photographers have a hard time taking pictures of their own kids. This is so G, dirty face, crazy hair and a goofy face when the camera comes out.

She looks so calm in this picture! Don't be fooled.

Penny

Yesterday I got my husband an early wedding anniversary present. He always gives the best gifts and I wanted to return the favor.

Meet Penny. She is a 12-week old Goldendoodle.

Even though she is the mellowest puppy I have every met she does have sparks of energy. We think once she adjusts to our family she will get a little more lively.

Even though my parents' reaction to her was gut-busting belly laughter we think she is adorable and you would know their judgement and vision is impaired if you ever met their gorilla/dog.

Happy anniversary honey, I should be solid in the gift department for the next couple of years!

Pop Bottle Ecosystem

Yesterday we made a pop bottle ecosystem. It was pretty simple to make once you have all the supplies on hand. We found our inspiration here on Pinterest:

 
 

                                                                                  Source: cranberrycorner.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

We made the following changes:
1. The pet store didn't sell duck weed so I told them to sell me the hardiest most weed-like plant they have. They did. No idea what it is called, so please don't ask. It was cheap though.

2. I didn't include any fish because I was afraid they would die. We got two snails instead.

3. We had to cut slits on the middle layer that joins the two bottles. Not a bid deal but it helped to slide it.

We used old sage from outside to feed the crickets until the rye grass grows. Hope they like sage!

Next time we make it instead of cutting the bottom of the top layer (which makes the top of the ecosystem) we will cut a hinge door in the side and then tape that close. This will result in a cleaner finish with less tape and frustration. 

Now we sit back and wait for nature to run its course.

The Ugly Chickens

Adolescent chickens are ugly. Period. End of story. Those soft cuddly chicks that poop everywhere have turned into awkward teenage chickens that poop everywhere.

 

So far all the chicks we brought home are still with us. I am anxiously awaiting when the coop will be put back together and our garage will be completely resided in beautiful cedar.

This is the very curious Plymouth Barred Rocks. They are a week older than the rest and about a third bigger.  We bought these because my dad is a big fan and they were in stock when we went. 

This is one of our Speckled Sussex chicks. They are quickly becoming my favorites of the bunch. I wasn't originally considering them but since this is what the store had and I read they are good layers I bought them.

This is one of the Black Sexlinks (or Black Stars). Definitely the ugliest of the ugly. Poor ugly things, hopefully they will have a winning personality.

Buff orpingtons. I think these are our friendliest. 

Looking forward to large amounts of fresh eggs with these ladies.