One day

It didn't occur to me until I uploaded my photos from shooting one day last week that I pretty much shot all day long, from early morning to sundown.  I guess I really wanted practice at lugging around my new, super heavy lens.  It sure is a workout.  No doubt my arms will thank me later.  So, here's the day...

Caleb likes to hit the tennis ball against the house.  He does this every day. And don't even get me started on how grown up I think he looks here.  Somebody tell time to slow down.

I took some selfies with Havi.  I just love how sometimes the focus is off or soft.  The images just so seem so raw and in the moment.

Madeline got a new delivery of ants for her farm.

Then  we headed over to the tennis courts for a little practice and match play.  I took all these shots through the fence, on purpose.    So that is why they look a bit soft.  I also forgot the lens hood.  Still, I like how bright and airy they are.

I love this shot above.  It looks like he's looking right at me.  In actuality, he's looking at the point of contact. 

 Next up, his Raffa follow through.

I tried to capture a little flare and fun on the playground with Havi while Caleb was on the courts.
Really, she did have fun. lol

Then Havi and I headed home while Patrick took Caleb and Madeline to the store.  As I was sitting outside with her, she pointed to the sky.  I turned around and saw a rocket being launched.  I quickly ran into the garage and grabbed my camera.  I didn't even change the settings from earlier and just started snapping.  That worked out fine as I tend to underexpose my shots at sunset to capture more color in the sky anyway.

Those black specs in the photo above are actually birds.  Then I snapped a few shots of Havi as the sun was going down, all on auto white balance.  You can see the color of the light change over time.

Then it was time for some sunset snaps and silhouettes.

Patrick had made it home with Caleb and Madeline by then.  So I asked Caleb to do a jumping shot.
Not bad for a first try in this location.

Anyway, I really enjoyed shooting that day.  My new lens does pose a problem with my beloved camera backpack.  You know, the one I bought for our China trip but still use every day?!  It can only fit if the lens is attached to the camera body when stored.  So that means shifting some things around.  With this lens, though, I'm finding that I'm only bringing one extra lens with me, my 35mm f/1.4, leaving my other two prime lenses at home.

Well, this weekend Caleb will be playing in yet another tennis tournament.  I'm so excited that Bammy will be able to watch him play.  Be looking out for a monthly tennis recap, as it's been a busy one.

One last bit before I go...I want to give a big Happy Birthday shout out to Bammy!  She's turning 39 again.  And we have the privilege of celebrating with her.  Have a great weekend.  And keep cool! We will be hitting the beach!

Spring Break camping: Part 1

As I mentioned last time, last week we headed back to where Miss Peggy made her inaugural camping adventure with the same group of friends.  Of the three families, only one group of kids is not homeschooled.  Still, we thought it would be a great time to spend a long weekend during Spring Break back at the beach in our beloved houses on wheels. So last Thursday, we packed up Miss Peggy and headed up the road to our convenient little beachfront campground.  

Baba had a couple of eager helpers when it came to hitching up the trailer.

We actually pulled up to check in at the same time as our friend Bryan...totally unplanned.  Once we got to our site, we backed Miss Peggy in.  And much to our surprise, it was the best job we had done...and I guess it impressed our neighbors, as they made it a point to say so. I tell ya, that hubby of mine has really gotten the hang of towing this big girl and backing her up.  Anyway, Caleb and Madeline immediately started playing with Bryan's boys (the girls were with their mom Emily.)  And that meant Havi was hanging out with us as we set up.  She has discovered how to climb up and down the ladder for the bunks.  That does a mama's heart good.  Um, not.  She also thinks it's fun to hang out on the top bunks and not come down.  Again, funny for her.  Not for mama. lol

Our friends Lisa and Shail arrived later in the afternoon with their crew.  We all ended up having dinner (it's a big bring-your-own-food-and-everybody-shares-kinda-feast) at a site belonging to another friend of Bryan and  Emily's.  We had such a great time chatting and eating while the kids played.  Caleb especially enjoyed playing football.  I, however, turned in early with Havi because she didn't get a nap that day and tuckered out early.

The next morning we had breakfast and quickly decided to hit the beach.  The water was cold.  So the kids didn't really go in past their ankles.  Instead, they spent a lot of time playing in the sand.

We came back to the trailer for lunch, and then Patrick wanted to pick up a few things at the store with Caleb and Madeline while Havi took a nap.  She wasn't too thrilled about being left behind.

Shoes on the wrong feet and a big hot mess....poor girl.  Later on, Bryan took the big kids on a bike ride.

Havi wanted to be a big kid.  She didn't make the cut.

We did a lot of this...chillaxin' while the kids played.  We fired up the grills and ate some dinner at "our place" that night.

Emily's sister, Grace, came with her husband Jake and their two kids.  The bigger the crowd, the better.

 Caleb facilitated races for the little girls.

Then after some energy was burned off, it was time to roast some marshmallows.

Havi loves to greet every single car, truck, or motorhome that passes her way.

This photo of Havi absolutely cracks me up.  She was completely covered in dirt and could've cared less.  And then little Audrey dumped an orange cone full of dirt right on her head after I snapped this.  Bath time was really fun that night.  And I was still shaking dirt out of her hair the next morning. lol

And that would mark the end of day 2 of this latest installment of camping with Miss Peggy.

....to be continued....