Boys vs. / Girls Summer Fun!

My own little monkey's and their playmates have kept me on my toes over these past few summer months...no wonder it's been a few weeks since I'v posted anything here on my blog! I guess thats a good thing really...it means the weathers nice, my health is good and we have been actively living life!

Thank you Lord!

It's been a wonderful summer, full of many outdoor activities, road trips and just good old climbing trees and running through sprinklers in our own backyard!

Makayla spends most of her days "Hangin Out" with friends, just "Chillin" and doing what girls do! Talking.... doing their nails, talking..... roller-blading, talking..... riding bikes, talking.... swimming, talking....skateboarding, talking...sunbathing, talking.... doing each others hair, talking....dancing, talking...singing, talking....slumber parties, movies, treats and in between all the talking lots of giggling too! You get the picture!

What a joy these little LADIES are!

Then there's the BOYS in the Hood!

These guys are great and have become Luke's two side kicks this summer...yes their both older and have introduced our young one to all kinds of dare devilish stunts...one of which landed him in the ER just yesterday...(more on that later.)

Let's just say anything that has wheels and goes fast is what these guys go for... unfortunately these boys have not stayed upright on whatever contraption they have been on lately and they have all kinds of "Rad Scars" to show for it.

I think the long boards, skateboards, scooters, bikes, pool and trampoline would be considered Luke's favorites this summer. Now for some camping someday soon to finish off these last few weeks of summer fun in the sun..... I look forward to catching up on some pictures and stories as the fall and winter months settle in. I hope you have had a a wonderful summer and that the start of the new school year brings fresh blessings and new opportunity your way.

For now... enjoy summer while it lasts!

Tribute to our Josie Girl!

Oregon Trail at Blue Mountain Crossing...

Grandma Jeri, these pics are for you!

The kids loved the covered wagons...

and all the ruggedness of the wilderness.

Thanks to all the time on Grandma and Grandpa's farm....

I think we have little pioneers on our hands!

These two felt right at home, out on the trails.

It was a great time to wander and discover.

We where reminded that we are all on this journey called life together as a family...

No matter how bumpy the road or where the trail my lead!

Oregon Trail at Blue Mountain Crossing...

Grandma Jeri, these pics are for you!

The kids loved the covered wagons...

and all the ruggedness of the wilderness.

Thanks to all the time on Grandma and Grandpa's farm....

I think we have little pioneers on our hands!

These two felt right at home, out on the trails.

It was a great time to wander and discover.

We where reminded that we are all on this journey called life together as a family...

No matter how bumpy the road or where the trail my lead!

Girl Scout... Bridging Cerimony

These lovely young ladies crossed the bridge from being

Brownies to becoming Juniors!

Congratulations Ladies...

Thank you Vicki and Rosemary for taking such good care of our girls!

Less is More!

Over the past 6 months I have tried my hand at several photography exercises...I've been challenged to learn how to tell a better story through image by using several specific story telling elements.1 ) Defining Details, 2) Capturing Conflict, 3) Settings with a Purpose

and now for Photography Exercise # 4...

Less is More

The basic concept of " Less is More" is how little can

you have in your frame and still tell the story?

It's learning to look for the story within the story.

It's Showing not telling.

It's seeing the story creatively.

We were asked to consider several questions...

Do you need to see things sharp, to feel the detail?

Do you need to see your subject’s face to know their emotion?

Can you zoom in even tighter to enhance the power of the moment?

I love how the " Less is More" style of shooting,

invokes the imagination to wonder what the rest of the story may be.

It's letting the image speak for itself.

More..."Less is More"

I thought I was all done with my "Less is More" Photography assignment...but.....then...

I came across some bright and shiny things that I just couldn't resist!

These beauties just screamed....detail!

They also beckoned for the imagination to run wild and free,

at what the rest of the story may be.

As I went for the, less is more approach in shooting...I was amazed at how much enjoyment came from trying my best to create a dreamy image that portrayed a story.

Not sure about you...but this really makes me want to go for a ride!